On March 23, 1896, Paul Laurence Dunbar in Dayton wrote to his future wife Alice Ruth Moore in New Orleans and mentioned her tendency to use slang. They had been corresponding for less than a year and had yet to meet in person, but Paul suggested that Alice change her last name to Dunbar.
Write me all the "Chimmie Faddenses" you want to my dear Alice, and I shall be content -- very more -- elated with them. I am a thorough Bohemian and like spice! I only wish in your slang vocabulary you could find some expression for "I can learn to love you" and be able to use it to me.
No don't drop your middle name, it is too cute but you might dispense with your last name and, as a substitute, what is the matter with
Dunbar
Paul Laurence Dunbar to Alice Ruth Moore, March 23, 1896. Paul Laurence Dunbar Papers, Ohio History Connection (Microfilm edition, Roll 8).
Paul's letter referred to Chimmie Fadden, the slang-talking character from a series of short stories by Edward W. Townsend published in the 1890s. In another letter, Paul told Alice that he should punish her with a kiss for using slang.
I leave for home next week for a few days stay, after which I shall go on further north for a week or so more. I am unwilling to go anywhere that does not bring me toward New Orleans and the girl who used Bowery slang with a chic that makes it refreshing and delightful. I imagine after such a string as you have gotten off in this letter, that your brother, if you have one, seizes you in his arms, lifts you off your feet, rumples your hair, kisses you and then suddenly sets you down. That is what you deserve and is what I should do for you -- if I were your brother. If your own brother doesn't do it, or if you haven't one then someone else's brother ought to. You shouldn’t go unpunished for want of a punisher. I should be even willing to come to New Orleans and take the contract myself.
Paul Laurence Dunbar to Alice Ruth Moore, March 6, 1896. Paul Laurence Dunbar Papers, Ohio History Connection (Microfilm edition, Roll 8).
In letters to Paul, Alice wrote "Trilbys" when she meant feet (referring to Trilby O'Ferrall, a woman with attractive feet, in a novel by George du Maurier), and "big high muck-a-mucks" to describe wealthy philanthropists.
All the loving, nursing, motherly instinct in me rises at once at the thought of you being ill and I not near you. How I wish I was married to you so I could nurse and pet you. I don't think I will ever be really happy until I have parboiled your Trilbys in a mustard footbath.
Alice Ruth Moore to Paul Laurence Dunbar, February 27, 1898. Paul Laurence Dunbar Papers, Ohio History Connection (Microfilm edition, Roll 8).
I saw in today's Journal the list of the big high-muck-a-mucks you are to have down at Tuskegee. Quite a notable gathering it will be and I know it will be enjoyable for you.
Alice Moore Dunbar to Paul Laurence Dunbar, April 21, 1901. Paul Laurence Dunbar Papers, Ohio History Connection (Microfilm edition, Roll 8).