Comic Discussion > QUESTIONABLE CONTENT

WCT: August 24-28, 2009

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raoullefere:
I agree with you about "natty," Maddness, and I think some are indeed confusing it with "nappy," perhaps attempting some odd version of Grimm's Law. I actually wonder if Wil is putting it in quotes because it's a point of disagreement between him and Penelope: he thinks the blazer "natty" and she thinks, well, not.

I live in the American South, and I heard the terms "pop" or "soda pop" for soda when I was younger (20 years or so ago). I also know that some of the folks who used the term have/had relatives in Chicago and Detroit. Whether they carried it there, or brought it here, I can't say.

Watched Pot:
I am quite sure it's not just a natty/nappy confusion. I know the dictionary definition says it means neat, but for whatever reason "natty" is sometimes used to mean just the opposite. Maybe it's regional, maybe as I suggested above it stems from sarcastic use, maybe it all flows from one random dude a few years ago who used it incorrectly and no one bothered to look it up.

As far as "nappy" is concerned though, I've only ever heard or seen it used the way Don Imus famously used it. Wouldn't even cross my mind to use it in relation to clothing.

Akima:
Where I come from, a nappy is a garment of sorts, usually worn by babies.

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