John Waters on the origins of "Teabagging"

[villager]

A link to share with all your nutty rightwing friends!

John Waters on the Origins of Teabagging.

Posted by Xeni Jardin, April 17, 2009 8:34 AM | permalink

There's been an lot of talk of "teabagging" lately. Conservative anti-tax advocates in the United States have been organizing "tea party" protests, fashioned after the colonial-era protests of British rule. In doing so, they and the right-wing TV punditards who cheered on these spectacles for ratings have ranted about "teabagging," and the desire to "teabag Barack Obama" and such, without apparent knowledge of the word's more common street use.

More recently, news anchors and bloggers have giggled over that sexual reference, but nobody's acknowledged how the word first entered popular American slang.

I'll tell you how. John Waters.

Here is the email exchange:

XENI: Dear Mister John Waters: We at Boing Boing are devoted fans of your work, and we consider you one of the greatest heroes of the "happy mutant" culture we celebrate. Where does the term "teabagging" come from? Is it true that the term was first popularized, or originated, in one of your films? Also, what is the deal with right wing nutbags (if you'll pardon that term, too) appropriating a perfectly good term for a sex act in such an offensive manner? Your devotée, -- Xeni.

JOHN WATERS: "Teabagging" is by my definition the act of dragging your testicles across your partner's forehead. In the UK it is dipping your testicles in your partner's mouth. I didn't invent the term or the act but DID introduce it to film in my movie "Pecker." "Teabagging" was a popular dance step that male go-go boys did to their customers for tips at The Atlantis, a now defunct bar in Baltimore. Hope this helps. -- John Waters

http://www.boingboing.net/2009/04/17/bb-exclusive-john-wa.html

[bridgit]

1. Hm, I see...

[rcrush]

2. I didnt know about the forehead part. I learn something new every day

How many other forms of teabagging are there? Can you dip your balls on someones nose?

[davsand]

3. I originally read that as IN someone's nose. I was gonna say you wouldn't brag if you could.

But my wittiness was defused by re-reading your post.

Never mind.



Laura

[ghostsofgiants]

4. I learned the meaning from Pecker.

Fun movie.

[villager]

6. the critical "Pecker" clip is there at the link, too...

n/t

[no name no slogan]

5. So, are you saying John Waters is gay?

[davsand]

7. I am shocked. SHOCKED I tell you! n/t

[no name no slogan]

8. OH!