Pelay, Piler in Lousiana French

Growing up in Thibodaux, Louisiana, Ashlie was accustomed to using many Cajun terms, such as sha bébé, a version of cher bébé meaning “poor baby,” ya mom ‘n’ ’em for “your family and circle of friends,” and lagniappe, meaning “a little something extra thrown in.” Another one is pelay, pronounced PEE-lay, which she uses to describe an action like stubbing her toe or bumping her knee. It’s from piler, which according to the Dictionary of Louisiana French has a variety of meanings, including “to trample or crush,” “to beat,” or “to step on someone’s foot.”  This is part of a complete episode.