My archive.org Files

Monday, January 17, 2011

Langauge and old radio: wimp

Bill Thompson was Wallace Wimple
Did Fibber McGee's nickname for Wallace Wimple prompt the term "wimp" - a meaning for a man who lacks confidence or is wishy-washy?

I think so.

But according to the Online Etymology Dictionary:

Click to enlarge




Wimpy (from Popeye) was not really a wimp; he was simply fat and had a terrible penchant for hamburgers.  Being fat and loving hamburgers doesn't make you a wimp - at least in our concept of the "light in the loafers" way.

Wallace Wimple was in fact afraid of his "big old wife" and she often beat him up. In today's terms - at least - this is a "wimp."

No comments:

Post a Comment

Let me know what you think of this post or this site! It only take a few seconds and I'd really appreciate your comments...