The RBR Mail Bag Needs Your Help

by Todd on Jun 18, 2008 9:08 PM CDT in Humor

Got this in the old inbox last night:

For years, my friends and I (all Tide alumni and/or supporters of course) have wondered about the origin of "Boogs," "Boogereaters," and "Aubs Eat Boogs." These are all true statements, no doubt, but where did the disparaging nicknames come from and why?

I have no idea where they came from either, but I know the terms have been used in the comments on numerous occasions so hopefully some of y'all will be able to help solve this mystery.

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I always

thought it came from “Aubie” and “Barnie”. Instead of calling them “Aubie’s” and “Barnies” we started calling them “Boogies”. So Boogs, Boogereaters, etc. are derivatives of Aubie, which I think was meant to be condescending, but obviously wasn’t insulting enough. So instead of called them “Barners” we call them “Boogers”.

by Bamagrad on Jun 19, 2008 7:08 AM CDT reply actions

FWIW

A phrase like “[insert target here] eats boogers” is one of those things that just comes up (its childish, giggle-inducing charm merely catches our attention—as though the very immaturity of it is a core part of its appeal). Plus, it’s much easier to say “_ eat boogers” in mixed company than a lot of other common insults. I’ve heard “Gators eat boogers” for as long as I can remember. But sometimes, these things stick for no apparent reason. Both the Auburn-booger connection and “Gators wear jean shorts” may have stuck because (in addition to being true) they’re just funny; and now, a significant part of their appeal is that they stuck. It’s a linguistic cycle. (cf. “corndog”)

by NCT on Jun 19, 2008 7:33 AM CDT reply actions