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I used the word bumbershoot in an email today and discovered that it is a regionalism. I love finding words, like independent stores, that can't be found in every state in every strip mall and coffee shop.

According to DARE, bumbershoot (umbrella) has been heard most places east of the Mississippi, beginning back in 1896. It is a combination of bumbrella and shoot, from chute. Some of its delightful cousins include: blundershoot, brumbershoot, bumblershoot, bumbleshoot, bumpershoot, bumptershoot, and bumshoot. Then there's bumbersol, combining bumbershoot and parasol and its relatives bombersoll, bumbasol, bumbersoll, and bumpersol.  

And finally, from my favorite thesaurus, Chambers, two more umbrella words: brolly and gamp. 

Stay dry, everyone!