Antedating of "JAP" (UNCLASSIFIED)

Tue Dec 30 21:57:46 UTC 2008

Classification:  UNCLASSIFIED
Caveats: NONE

While recognizing that Fred's probable cite of JAP/Jewish American Princess below is only a library visit away from becoming definite, I offer the following, which unambiguously antedates the OED:

"Party-Goer Pinch Hits for Gossip Columnist" BURT PRELUTSKY _Los Angeles Times_ ; Aug 9, 1970; pg. N15 col 3
"Geoff Miller (of Los Angeles magazine) and Barbara ("I'm a Jewish American Princess") Selcer are telling everyone they're just friends."

> -----Original Message-----
> From: American Dialect Society
> [mailto:ADS-L at LISTSERV.UGA.EDU] On Behalf Of Shapiro, Fred
> Sent: Saturday, December 27, 2008 10:55 AM
> To: ADS-L at LISTSERV.UGA.EDU
> Subject: Antedating of "JAP"
>
> ---------------------- Information from the mail header
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> Sender:       American Dialect Society <ADS-L at LISTSERV.UGA.EDU>
> Poster:       "Shapiro, Fred" <fred.shapiro at YALE.EDU>
> Subject:      Antedating of "JAP"
> --------------------------------------------------------------
> -----------------
>
> OED and HDAS have 1972 as their first use for _J.A.P._
> 'Jewish American Princess.'  Google Books gives the
> following, probably authentic occurrence:
>
>
> Transatlantic Reviewý - Page 69
> 1969-70
>
> To my Jap - my Jewish American Princess.
>
>
> I have not, however, verified this in the original.
>
> Fred Shapiro

> The American Dialect Society - http://www.americandialect.org
>
Classification:  UNCLASSIFIED
Caveats: NONE

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