How to Talk Farmer
Learn the understated language of those who work the land.
“Just a few acres.” On the off chance that you’re a tax assessor, most farmers would rather chew a leg off than tell you how many acres of land they farm, or how many head of cattle they raise. Even asking them is a breach of rural etiquette … kind of like asking your neighbor how much money he has in the bank. If a farmer says he grows “a few acres” of corn or soybeans, he may mean anywhere from a few hundred to several thousand. A rancher who says he raises “a few head” of cattle could well be running hundreds of cows and calves on a spread the size of an island nation in the Caribbean.
My favorites are “Maybe a quarter-inch.” and “One of these days” with “This food is downright edible” thrown in there.
I would have to add "In a bit" to this list. This is how I respond to any question involving time. When are you going to (insert whatever here) and my response will be "in a bit." This seems to cover time well for me.
I never let my subject get in the way of what I want to talk about. Mark Victor Hansen
The Bossman also has his favorite "evasive statements "such as when asked "What’s the plan?" he'll reply "We'll figure it out" or then there is "How long will we be?" to which he always replies “As long as it takes". After a meal it’s usually “I’m fed up” (which sometimes people don’t get)……and so on. It’s a whole different lingo that’s for sure.