Stuff You Should Know Short Stuff: Ig-pay Atin-lay (Sorry)
Dec 30, 2020
Dive into the whimsical world of Pig Latin, a playful language game with roots in 19th-century child communication. Discover its quirky origins linked to historical figures like Shakespeare and how it became popular through media and humor. The discussion also uncovers similar playful languages from various cultures, such as France's Verlan and Japan's Babigo, showcasing the creativity of language. Expect a blend of nostalgia and laughter as they explore the charm and challenges of mastering this unique linguistic twist.
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Pig Latin's Heyday
- Pig Latin's popularity peaked in the early 20th century, showing up in pop culture.
- Arthur Fields's 1919 song "Pig Latin Love" illustrates this popularity.
Stooges and Pig Latin
- The Three Stooges' 1938 short "Tassels in the Air" features a Pig Latin lesson.
- Moe and Larry attempt to teach Curly, with humorous results.
Pig Latin as Backslang
- Pig Latin is a backslang or coded language, not a fully formed language like Esperanto.
- It relies on English for its structure and vocabulary.