The Value of Generic Names

Dad taught us some great things over the years not the least of which was how to get someone's attention utilizing a generic name.  It took me many years to realize that there WEREN'T a lot of people in the world named 'Doc', 'Dolly' or 'Susie'.  This was just Dad's way of being on a first name basis with everyone on the planet.  If you were a man, your name was Doc.  If you were a woman, your name was Dolly... or occasionally Susie.  Back in the day at the gas station you could ask Doc to check your oil while he was pumping your gas... "Hey Doc, check the oil!"  If you wanted to clarify your breakfast order in a restaurant you could just tell Dolly what you wanted.  "Hey Dolly, leave my eggs a little loose."  or 'Hey Dolly, tell Doc to leave my eggs a little loose."  That one always drove me nuts.  Who wants their eggs 'a little loose'??? What exactly does that mean??  'Hey Dolly, leave my eggs a little undercooked with the whites still translucent.  I like a little live salmonella... it helps the yolk stick to my toast.'

For many years now we've had a saying in our house because of Dad's breakfast order.  If you want something loose or something is loose you say; 'I like my [fill in the blank] the way Grandpa likes his eggs.  Leave it a little loose.'  I don't recall ever having the nerve to use 'Doc' and I know I would be afraid to use 'Dolly'... but it's fun to think about Dad doing it.  The Mt. Prospect Benri all know Doc and Dolly.