double take

Have you ever considered how many women’s names have taken on double meanings in the English language?

If you’re scratching your head, take it from a gal who knows …

A Mary Jane, after all, isn’t a far cry from a MaryJane.

(I prefer the Butters version.)

See what I mean?

If you’re a Nellie or a Patsy, you’re nodding emphatically right now.

Unfortunately, girls named Nellie and Patsy are harder to come by these days,

thanks to popular expressions that have put a damper on their demand.

“Whoa Nellie! It just ain’t so,” said Nervous Nellie. “Don’t blame me. I refuse to be your Patsy.”

Let’s take a gander at several handles that have become noteworthy

(or even a tad notorious)

by their starring roles in our ever-evolving vernacular …

Mary Jane

My name, with a space between, doubles as the name of a …

perfectly legal …

shoe.

I must say I’m pleased as punch—who doesn’t love a Mary Jane? It’s a shoe-in.

Photo courtesy of Wikimedia Commons

Plain Jane

Some Janes have it harder than others. Jane paired with plain is a term used to describe a woman of “unremarkable appearance.” With a play on words, I named my milk chocolate “Playin’ Jane.”  I quite prefer her lack of fanfare over the more complicated Janes. Divulge your favorite type of chocolate in the comments section below and this Playin’ Jane (along with her friends, Almond Daze and Mintsummer’s Day) will get mailed to you when our very own StellaJane picks your name out of our giveaway hat.

Lazy Susan

The term isn’t exactly flattering, but the device it describes is a dandy. While the origins of the term are unknown, the term “Lazy Susan” made its first written appearance in a Good Housekeeping article in 1906.

Chatty Cathy

Cathy became synonymous with “blabbermouth” and “chatterbox,” thanks to a doll in the early ’60s that gabbled random phrases, driving many a patient parent bonkers. Remember her? Interestingly, a woman named Ann Ryan was the original voice of Chatty Cathy.

Nervous Nellie

Nobody wants to be “Nellied” for being nervous. The same goes for Noisy Nora.

Was Nellie Bly nervous? She looks like the picture of calm to me.

Photo courtesy of Wikimedia Commons

Mollycoddle

As a verb, mollycoddle means to be overprotective and indulgent toward someone. To pamper. It’s a little less cute as a noun used to describe a person, especially a man, who is pampered and overprotected.

The Mollycoddle. A 1920 film; Courtesy of Wikimedia Commons; Nesnad

Patsy

The popularity of Patsy as a girl’s name waned in the early 20th century when male vaudeville character Patsy Bolivar, a frequent victim of unscrupulous schemes, gave the name a …

bad name.

What about Patsy Cline? She should make any Patsy proud!

Photo courtesy of Wikimedia Commons

Sally Ann

Did you know? The Salvation Army, renowned for its network of charity-based thrift stores, is nicknamed the “Sally Ann” in Canada and “Sally’s” here in the states.

“Oh, Boy! That’s the Girl! The Salvation Army Lassie. Courtesy of Wikimedia Commons; Mu

Fanny

No explanation “mae” be needed on this one!

Can you think of other double takes? If so, add ’em to my list … right after you tell me your choice of chocolate. Have you tried the new dark chocolate infused with real bits of bacon? I haven’t dared try it yet. Although …

how could I go wrong. Bacon? Chocolate?