The Maine Dialect Dictionary

The Maine Dialect Dictionary invites readers to explore one of the most cherished elements of Maine's cultural heritage: its distinct and enduring way of speaking. For generations, local expressions, tonal shifts, and regional pronunciations have carried the stories, humor, and identity of communities from the coast to the northern woods. This volume preserves that legacy by gathering thousands of words and phrases that reflect the daily life, history, and character of the Pine Tree State. Rich with authentic pronunciation guides and contextual notes, the dictionary highlights how language connects families, traditions, and shared memory. It offers a window into the lived experience of Mainers-shaped by seafaring roots, rural resilience, and a deep appreciation for place. Whether discovering familiar sayings or encountering them for the first time, visitors and lifelong residents alike will find in The Maine Dialect Dictionary a meaningful tribute to the voices that have shaped Maine's past and continue to echo through its present. George Eliot has spent years studying the regional speech and cultural history of Maine, drawing on firsthand experience in Portland and surrounding communities. Her work preserves the stories and language traditions that define the state's identity. She now lives in Illinois with her husband, continuing her research and writing.