wannabe

[Tom Dalzell]

Edith Folb's 1980 citation seemed to have settled the surfer vs. AAVE
debate about wannabe's origins.  I would be very interested in hearing
what Green, Lighter, Sheidlower et al. think in light of this citation,
which seems to fit neither camp.

Tom Dalzell


Mullins, Bill wrote:

>OED has 1981 (and 1986 for the sense in the cite below, I think).
>
>PHONY DEATH NOTIFICATIONS
>PATT MORRISON
>Los Angeles Times (1886-Current File); Jan 5, 1978; pg. OC9 col 1.
>"As for motive, Droz thinks the trio might be categorized as "wannabes"
>-- people who always wanted to be officials."
>
>
>