Tuesday, September 14, 2010

I'm Not Your "Bra"....

For as long as I can remember, people all over the world have created new forms of cordial salutations, for friends and passersby. Dude! Bro! Chica/o! Amigo! Pal! Homie! Brother! Buddy! Over time they evolve, while some tend to linger. One of these has always tended to make my ears bleed and my brain boil. Never call me "Bra"....

I always thought a "bra" was a female undergarment, not a term of endearment. What's next? Are we going to refer to each other as "G-string" or "Brief"? I have to hope for the sake of humanity that society would not create a term for their friends, from a garment that holds up a woman's breasts. Thus, it was research time. Where does the term "Bra" come from?

While doing some highly scientific research, I learned that "Bra", actually spelled "Brah", is short for "Braddah" or "Brother", a greeting originating from Hawaii. Searching and searching the web for it's true origin, I couldn't find it's age. Wikipedia was no help; the Urban Dictionary made my IQ drop 10 points, and Google didn't even have a clue. However, I did find that the Beatles used the term in their song from 1968, "Ob La Di, Ob La Da". So, it's at least 42 years old. I only know that the term is popular with surfers and skaters around the world. What I don't know is why my macaroni-flinging 5-year-old cousin is calling me "Bra". Scary.

So, let's just get this clear. The Beatles are awesome, thus, the term gets some cool points. It's short for "Braddah," which isn't bad at all. However, do not call someone "Bra," it just isn't right. I'll leave you with some popular alternatives to contemplate, for the time being.

Confidant! Second Self! Compadre! Bosom Buddy! Homeboy! Homeslice! Homie Skillet! Homefry! Alter Ego! Main Man! Crony! Mate! Sidekick! Chum!


~Syleste~

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