[Ads-l] propeller beanie

[Jesse Sheidlower]

This is said to have been invented in 1947 among science-fiction fans:

https://fancyclopedia.org/wiki/Propeller_Beanie

Jesse Sheidlower

On Sat, Feb 07, 2026 at 08:28:20AM -0500, Jonathan Lighter wrote:
> Not in OED.
> 
> I always wanted one of these, but never got one. (Instead I had a beanie
> that blew bubbles. It was OK.) They came with one, two, or an excessive
> three propellers.  Beany on the TV show "Time for Beany" wore one.
> 
> >From Newspapers.com:
> 
> 1948 _Fremont [Neb.] Guide & Tribune_ (Apr. 27) 11: Join The Atomic
> Club...wear the atomic whirling propeller beanie hat for boys and girls.
> Just walk along and the propellers whirl...ready to take off at a moments
> [sic] notice! 49c.
> 
> Etc., etc.
> 
> 2025 _ Kearney (Neb.) Hub_ (Sept. 13) A8: Marvin was known for riding
> bicycles backward on the handlebars, wearing a propeller beanie to
> embarrass his kids, and attempting to teach every grandchild to do a
> handstand.
> 
> Hey, kids !! Still Available Online !!!  But Not For 49c. !!!!
> 
> JL
> 
> -- 
> "If the truth is half as bad as I think it is, you can't handle the truth."
> 
> ------------------------------------------------------------
> The American Dialect Society - http://www.americandialect.org

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The American Dialect Society - http://www.americandialect.org