Welcome to Baltimore, Hon!

This quirky neighborhood celebrates Charm City's favorite word and the women who define it.

Let's face it. They talk a little funny in Baltimore. Now, I don't mean to be rude, but true natives boast a clipped, twangy accent so distinctive that it's almost impossible to describe. In fact, this linguistic oddity has come to define the city's character as few things could. All you really need to hear is one word, and you know for sure you're in Baltimore: "Hon."

That's right, hon. And it's not "hu-u-u-n," the way we drawl it way down South. It's more like "HUH-on." And in Baltimore, it's often used as a noun. Like this: She's a Hon.

"'Hon' is a term of endearment," explains Denise Whiting, owner of Cafe Hon in the Hampden neighborhood. "It's short for honey. But a Hon is also the classic diner waitress with a beehive hairdo."

Honoring the Hons

This word is so much a part of the lexicon here that Denise started a Hon Contest in 1994. Today, it's a daylong festival that draws thousands of people to 36th Street, or The Avenue, as folks here refer to it.

There are vendors selling everything from lemonade to tie-dyed shirts. It's a great time to visit the wonderfully eclectic mix of shops in the neighborhood. Many people even take the opportunity to sample Denise's offerings at Cafe Hon.

Mostly it's a day for people-watching. If you venture into Hampden on June 12 this year, you'll feel as if you've located central casting for the musical Hairspray. Anyone can come dressed as a Hon, or a local salon will style your hair and apply the requisite frosted blue eye shadow for you.

On The Avenue

Now I'm a little too Deep South to be a true Hon, but that doesn't keep me from trying. I have my locks teased into a lofty do. Then I put on cat's-eye sunglasses, big earrings, and feather boa. I have been transformed.

Strolling along The Avenue, I pause to watch contestants in the Hon Contest. Here I meet Partie "with a heart over the i" Gill, a former winner. "What's a Hon?" I inquire.

"The quintessential image of womanhood," she says, popping her gum, a hand on one hip. "It's what every man wants and doesn't know it." CASSANDRA M. VANHOOSER

HonFest 2004: (410) 243-6800 or www. honfest.net. Date: June 12. Hours: 11 a.m.-8 p.m. Cafe Hon: 1002 West 36th Street; (410)243-1230.

Copyright Southern Progress Corporation Jun 2004
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