Updated November 20, 2005

Terms and phrases associated with coal mining. Some terms may be used in places where deep mining was or still is performed.

culm – an inferior anthracite coal (Reference: Funk & Wagnalls Standard Desk Dictionary). In Northeastern Pennsylvania, pronounced "column".

locie – a small steam locomotive that was used to move coal cars between mining operations.

rogg dump – Probably "rock dump", but the "ck" pronounced "gg". A dump comprised of mining byproducts (culm, slate, etc.).

shiftin’ shanty – A building where the miners went before entering and after leaving the mines.

strippens – a strip mine or surface mine (as opposed to a deep mine); coal is removed from a deep pit (strippen hole)

Posted March 20, 2000.

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