STOOP

Wild Word Friday!

The elders in our little community often refer to a porch as a STOOP, and, when I hear that word, I visualize the daub-and-wattle huts of ancient times where a hard, swept-dirt pad fronts a small low door. You had to STOOP to get into the hut, and thus the first word for porch – the STOOP – was coined. Ummm, maybe not.

To my surprise when I began researching the noun STOOP, I found that it is Dutch in origin and refers to a platform, usually with seats, located at the door of a house. Here’s an added teaser. It also may have connections to the Middle English word stowpe, a drinking vessel, a tankard, or its contents. 

Now I’m visualizing a little front porch where friends sit outside and imbibe with full tankards. (Make mine ice tea.)

What do you think? Maybe the custom of sitting sociably together on the front STOOP is more ancient than the word itself!

How about your family? Do you have a front porch tradition?

Blessings!

Sue