[Ads-l] Thatababy's Guide to Names and Phrases that Originated in Comic Strips

[ADSGarson O'Toole]

Thanks for pointing to an interesting comic strip, Amy.
Charles M. Schulz did popularize the notion of a security blanket, but
the OED's first citation is not from Schulz.

[Begin OED excerpt]
security blanket noun
2. Originally U.S. A small blanket or other soft fabric item held or
carried by a child to afford reassurance by its familiarity. Also in
extended use: anything that offers comfort, reassurance, or a sense of
security.

Widely popularized by the American cartoonist Charles M. Schulz
(1922–2000) in the comic strip ‘Peanuts’, featuring a boy named Linus
who carries a cot blanket for comfort.

1954 Security blanket. My younger child is one year old. When..she
finds a fuzzy blanket..or a fleecy coat she presses her cheek against
it and sucks her thumb.
Daily Review (Hayward, California) 29 November 4

[1956  This is a ‘security and happiness’ blanket...All little kids carry them.
C. M. Schulz, Good Grief, More Peanuts 25 (caption)]
[End OED excerpt]

On Sun, Mar 1, 2026 at 9:10 PM Amy West <medievalist at w-sts.com> wrote:
>
> Today's Thatababy:
>
> https://www.gocomics.com/thatababy/2026/03/01
>
> ------------------------------------------------------------
> The American Dialect Society - http://www.americandialect.org

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