Question

cracker-barrel adjective In the days before pre-packaged food and huge supermarkets, a trip to the nearest store was more than just an errand; it was also a chance to socialize and keep up with goings-on. The country store of yesteryear was the focal point of many rural communities, and the heart of the country store was the cracker barrel. Literally a barrel containing crackers, the cracker barrel-which afforded a seat for at least one person-was the spot where folks would gather to chat about weather and politics, or to swap stories, jokes, and gossip. Today, cracker barrels are largely a thing of the past, but the flavor of those friendly exchanges lives on in the adjective "cracker-barrel." : suggestive of the friendly homespun character of a country store

Accepted Answer

September 8, 2006 KRAK-er-bair-ul "One thing I like about the South," she said, "is that total strangers will often start up cracker-barrel conversations in places like elevators and waiting rooms."

Word	cracker-barrel
Date	September 8, 2006
Type	adjective
Syllables	KRAK-er-bair-ul
Etymology	In the days before pre-packaged food and huge supermarkets, a trip to the nearest store was more than just an errand; it was also a chance to socialize and keep up with goings-on. The country store of yesteryear was the focal point of many rural communities, and the heart of the country store was the cracker barrel. Literally a barrel containing crackers, the cracker barrel-which afforded a seat for at least one person-was the spot where folks would gather to chat about weather and politics, or to swap stories, jokes, and gossip. Today, cracker barrels are largely a thing of the past, but the flavor of those friendly exchanges lives on in the adjective "cracker-barrel."
Examples	"One thing I like about the South," she said, "is that total strangers will often start up cracker-barrel conversations in places like elevators and waiting rooms."
Definition	: suggestive of the friendly homespun character of a country store

Store Country Cracker Cracker Barrel Adjective Thing Friendly September