Neck of the Woods
I recently visited a lovely site near our neck of the woods. Natural Arch in the Daniel Boone National Forest has a convenient overlook. I also walked down the hill to the arch. The return up the hill reminded my muscles that hills are harder to hike than level ground!
Neck of the woods means a particular area.
According to The Free Dictionary, “This expression originated in the United States. ‘Neck’ comes from ‘naiack’ which means ‘point’ or ‘corner’ in an Algonquian Native American language.” It refers to a “narrow strip of woodland” or “a forest settlement.”
Although originally a rural description, this idiom now includes urban areas.
I consider our neck of the woods the garden spot of the world. We enjoy the best of country life close to a small town.
My neck of the woods probably looks different from yours.
However, we can enjoy what each area offers.
Just as locations differ, so do people.
We do well when we appreciate all people. We don’t have to:
- Look alike
- Talk alike
- Act alike or
- Enjoy the same things
May we all open our eyes to the God-given potential of others, regardless of their neck of the woods.
“The Mighty One, God, the Lord, speaks and summons the earth from the rising of the sun to where it sets” (Psalm 50:1 NIV).
Thanks to Jane Ashley Pace for the suggestion.
Do you have an expression you want explained or a thought about this one? If so, please comment below.
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13 thoughts on “Neck of the Woods”
I love learning the history behind these familiar sayings. Thanks, Diana!
I’m frequently surprised by what I find, Tracy. It’s fun.
I love this explanation, Diana; I’ve never heard it from an origin standpoint. Thanks for enlightening us!
Blessings!
My pleasure, Martha. I had never heard the origin either. I hope all is well in your neck of the woods.
I’ve heard many times, “When you’re in our neck of the woods, stop by for a visit.” 🙂 Love these sayings. Happy Thanksgiving!
That’s how I’ve heard it most often too, Melissa. Happy Thanksgiving from my neck of the woods to yours!
Another good one, Diana! Thanks for educating all of us about all these “special saying” we hear from time to time in our lives!!!
Cathy Chinn
Thank you, Cathy. I enjoy researching and writing about our sayings. Happy Thanksgiving to you and George.
Have used that phrase for as long as I can remember Ms. Diana. Always enjoy your posts ma’am; and always learn something from them. God’s blessings ma’am.
Thank you, J.D. I always enjoy your comments. They brighten my day. Blessings.
Sounds as it you live in a beautiful “neck of the woods.” I’m blessed in that way, too. Thanks for sharing the origin of the term and the reminders of how to apply to our daily living.