Putting a Hecks On

(Note: Hecky brainy is an Olivia-ism for “heck,” and so "What the heck?" becomes something like "What in the hecky brainy is going on here?" She uses the term in exaggerated frustration, and she often playfully slaps the side of her head as she uses it in phrase. Our child uses the term so often, in fact, that she refers to it in its abbreviated form—hecks. And in revealing herself to be the firstborn that she is, Olivia has implemented some specific guidelines for the term’s use.)

Me: "Olivia, what in the hecky brainy are you doing?"

Olivia: "Daddy, hecks can only be used during the morning and the afternoon. Not at nighttime."

Me: "Why not at night?"

Olivia: "Because I’m the chooser. I’m the decider."