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bunny hug
DCHP-2 (Oct 2012)
Spelling variants:bunnyhug, Bunnyhug, bunny-hug
1n. — Saskatchewan, Clothing
a hooded sweatshirt (see Image 1).
Type: 1. Origin — Bunnyhug or bunny hug 'hooded sweatshirt' is virtually restricted to Canada (see Chart 1). In fact, the term is almost exclusively used with reference to the province of Saskatchewan (see Chart 2), since a bunnyhug is better known in other provinces as a hoodie or hooded sweatshirt, terms that are also used elsewhere (see also the third 2007 quotation). Many younger speakers in Saskatchewan purportedly index the term as a marker of Saskatchewan identity, which elevates it to the status of a provincial marker.
Although its origins are uncertain, some sort of metaphorical transfer, either from the cozy embrace of the soft garment or the shape of the hood seems most likely (see the second fist note for one such metaphorical transfer scenario).
Although its origins are uncertain, some sort of metaphorical transfer, either from the cozy embrace of the soft garment or the shape of the hood seems most likely (see the second fist note for one such metaphorical transfer scenario).
The 1976 quotation of bunny hug is so far the oldest, sweat-shirt related attestation and antedates the previously oldest one by two years (DCHP-2). Note, as shown in the 1958 quotation, that the term has had multiple meanings, in this case relating to children's shoes or slippers; meanings that are not directly related to the meaning of 'hooded sweatshirt' but that still may have inspired a semantic transfer from 'tight-fitting children's slippers or shoes' to 'tight-fitting sweatshirt with hood'.
There is doubt concerning the connection of 'hooded sweat shirt' with the Bunny Hop dance (see the second 2007 quotation). It seems more plausible, given this timeline, that the name is derived from a similarity in shape of the worn bunny hug (see Image 1) with rabbit ears, i.e. bunny ears, that closely hug the head, or a similar metaphorical transfer. If that type of scenario is correct, sociolinguistic findings (e.g. Eckert 2000) would suggest a particular social group as the innovators: it stands to reason that in the 1980s, when hoodies became widespread (note again the 1978 first attestation in a preliminary form), a special role was played by Saskatchewan teenagers in this term's development and spread. This is, so far, based on circumstantial evidence, but the scenario is perhaps more realistic than the existing ones (see the 2007 quotation) and is, moreover, in line with the attested evidence.
The term was discussed as a Canadianism in the "A Way with Words" podcast, hosted by Martha Barnette and Grant Barrett (see "Ask Us Anything — A Way with Words" podcast reference).
Quotations
1958
[Bunny-Hugs They grow with your child's feet---snaps adjust each size to the next two. Cozy, soft, warm!]
1978
LOST - at Memorial Lake Sun., June 18th, one rust colored bunny hug jacket, with prescription sunglasses in pocket.
1991
A sales table for commemorative T-shirts, caps and bunny-hugs attracted a steady line-up of customers. The apparel was earlier modelled by Mayor Bob Briggs, Dorwin and Wendy Person, as well as Nicole, Afton and Jordon Person. [...] The Village of Canwood purchased the bunny-hug, to be signed by all committee members and presented to chairman Doris Wreford.
1998
Only in Canada, you say?
Canadian words and phrases from The Canadian Oxford Dictionary :
barbotte: a large catfish; a gambling game similar to craps but played with three dice
brown cow: a cocktail of coffee liqueur and milk or cream
bunny hug: a hooded sweatshirt
clumper: a large floating chunk of ice
1999
Ashley Farion and his sisters Christa and Siglinda Polan also drove in from Dalmeny and were comparing bargains with Elder.
Christa Polan bought two T-shirts for $20, while her sister loaded up on shirts, pants, a bunny hug and perfume.
"This will last me for the rest of the year," Christa Polan joked.
The teenagers were among thousands who made the annual Boxing Day pilgrimage to Saskatoon malls and stores Sunday.
2000
The school has ordered Wild Rose wear such as joggers, bunnyhugs, shorts and T-shirts, with prices ranging from $12-28.
2001
For all other Grade 12 students, don't forget that grad pictures are this week as well. Aftergrad tickets for you and your escort will be sold this week, as well as bunnyhugs for the graduating class. This is the start of many activities that lead up to the big day in June.
2005
Wolfe: Name something that proves you're Saskatchewan born and bred.
Wickenheiser: I still call it a bunnyhug. (Laughs)
2007
Even though Saskatchewan residents don't have a distinct accent like Newfies, there are still words unique to the province such as bunnyhug (known as a hoodie in the rest of the world) and frajolaki (essentially souvlaki on a bun).
2007
Where the term bunny hug came from is still open to interpretation, Cottenie said.
The Bunny Hug is also a sultry dance move that originated in the early 1900s.
"It was basically the two dancers grinding together," Cottenie said. "I don't know how that could have a link with this sweatshirt."
It's more likely the shirt's name has a link to the Bunny Hop dance -- a 1950s craze in which people formed a chain by wrapping their arms around the waist of the person in front of them.
"That pouch pocket is right where the other person's hands are, so that seems a little more likely there's a connection there," Cottenie said.
His research shows people called the sweaters bunny hugs as early as the 1960s, and the phrase seems to have originated in the Prince Albert-Melfort and Yorkton areas, he said.
Other theories on the origin of the term include the resemblance of the points of the bunny hug hood to bunny ears, and that the warm, fleecy lining feels soft like a bunny and wraps around you like a hug, according to Cottenie's research.
2007
From Estevan to Pierceland, the bunny hug was common currency.
Bunny hug wasn't able to burrow under borders to the west or south, though. One survey respondent from Lloydminster reported people on the Alberta side of the border city say hoodie, while their Saskatchewan neighbours stick with bunny hug. A couple of North Dakota students had never heard the term before.
2012
Let's face it: You can't cover the tights with a bunny hug on the football field. Between the pants and the tighter-than-skin jerseys, you pretty much have to go with what your mama gave you because there is no amount of fashion that can hide a grader-butt or a massive, triple-roll boiler belly (thank goodness the strength trainer makes you do squats until you puked and my mom's genes blessed me with a flat stomach).
2016
All over Cape Breton, there are more of those hand-lettered “No Hoodie” signs taped to the doors of corner stores, amid the lottery flyers, church dinner announcements, and bingo reminders. When did the lowly bunny hug — as it is known on the prairies — that fleecy, handwarming, conveniently comfortable, slouch-about garment become a fearful symbol of mal-intent?
2†n.
a dance.
The non-Canadian meaning of bunny hug is described as "A dance in ragtime rhythm, esp. popular in the early part of the 20th century." In Merriam-Webster Unabridged, the term is specifically described as "an American ballroom dance" popular during the early 20th century.
The development of the bunny hug dance appears to be a result of the shifting change in dance styles at the end of the nineteenth century (see Aldrich 1998). This social dance became very popular during the early 1910s (e.g., see the 1911 quotation), as it was considered quite scandalous (as shown in the 1912 quotation) among the many other 'animal' dances, including the "turkey trot," "grizzly bear," and "fox-trot" (see 1911 and 1920 quotations).
The development of the bunny hug dance appears to be a result of the shifting change in dance styles at the end of the nineteenth century (see Aldrich 1998). This social dance became very popular during the early 1910s (e.g., see the 1911 quotation), as it was considered quite scandalous (as shown in the 1912 quotation) among the many other 'animal' dances, including the "turkey trot," "grizzly bear," and "fox-trot" (see 1911 and 1920 quotations).
This meaning ('type of dance') is not Canadian (hence the "dagger" next to its lexeme). It is listed here to provide historical completeness.
Quotations
1911
Kansas City, Mo., Oct. 7 --- Dance halls of this city in the future will have to bar the "bunny hug," the "grizzly bear" and the "turkey trot" styles of dancing. The recreation department of the board of public welfare ordered that such dances be eliminated here in the "interest of the morals of the young people of the city."
1912
THE BUNNY HUG. The partners dance unusually close in a slow, gliding step, slightly swaying the bodies to the right and left in time with the music.
1920
A weekly newspaper is of the opinion that the Cardinal's letter was aimed principally at the American dances, such as the "fox-trot" and "bunny-hug."
1921
But gradually the world adjusted itself to the new conditions and it appears to the writer that the craving for sensation is passing. No longer do the wild "jazz" and "bunny-hug" hold sway. Dances are more normal--more sedate.
References
- COD-1
- OED-3
- Merriam-Webster Unabridged
- "Ask Us Anything — A Way with Words" podcast • Minutes: 17:50-20:30
- Aldrich (1998)
Images
Image 1: A man wearing a bunny hug (Source: Wikimedia Commons. Photo: SteelAvenger)
Chart 1: Internet Domain Search, 24 October 2012
