Coal Cracker

Posted by Brian from Shawnee on August 27, 2003

My wife is a Coal Cracker, meaning that she comes from the anthracite coal mining region of Central Pennsylvania. I come from New Jersey, which isn't geographically very far away, but I'd never heard the term before I met her.

I was just wondering if the term is used in other coal mining regions of the country, such as Western PA, Kentucky, West Virginia, or even another country? I'd be interested to know if it's a local expression, or which region it may have originated in. I have a feeling the term must go back to the heyday of coal mining, prior to the 1920's. Thanks...

Coal Cracker ESC 27/August/03
- See Bruce's post in thread above ESC 28/August/03
- Coal Cracker GPP 27/August/03
  - Or 'hick' GPP 27/August/03
    - Or 'hick' ESC 28/August/03
      - Not even in jest? GPP 28/August/03
        
        Not even in jest? Brian from Shawnee 28/August/03
        
        Cutter ESC 28/August/03
        
        Cosmic Possum ESC 28/August/03
- Coal Cracker ESC 27/August/03
  - Oops, you pipped me GPP 27/August/03