I have looked it up online, but the version I heard in French class many years ago was different. It is a term for a fictional bug infestation that was contagious, but why did American kids in the 50s start saying this? There was even a popular plastic toy called a "Cootie" which younger answers may not be familiar with. Thanks!
2007-09-11 20:46:32 · 1 answers · asked by Spreedog 7 in Education & Reference ➔ Words & Wordplay
It is suggested to come form the malay word 'kutu 'meaing a biting insect. Originally, the term implied body lice, but over time this became generalized to any sort of lice, including head lice. The term then evolved into a purely imaginary stand-in for anything that is considered repulsive. In British English the term lurgy may be used in the same context. However, lurgy has a broader definition and the two concepts are not necessarily equivalent.
2007-09-11 20:53:16 · answer #1 · answered by UgLy M 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋