Berkeley Urban Dictionary (“BUD”) is an occasional column in which The Bunion offers insight into the unique vernacular that defines our town. Today’s columnist is Ward T. Rubble, PhD. Dr Rubble earned a dual degree in linguistics and transportation studies and writes frequently about linguistic micro cultures and urban mobility. He holds the Sey Wha Professorship in Linguistics at UC Berkeley.
Today’s column will introduce common terms used in reference to transportation.
| A Berkeleyan says… | They mean… |
| Let’s walk! | Someone has stolen our bikes |
| Let’s walk quickly! | They got our car too |
| Let’s run! | I hear gunfire |
| This neighborhood has a high walkability score | Porch piracy happens here, a lot |
| I live near one of the paths | I live in the Hills and crime don’t climb |
| Did you take BART? | Do you need medical attention? |
| Namaste | Get out of my parking space or I will beat you with this yoga mat |