Comic Etymology 5

Etymology is the study of the history of words, their origins, and how their form and meaning have changed over time. One unintentionally funny place to see how words (and in some cases stereotypes) have changed are in old comic books. These are a few of the more obviously humorous panels from the past.

In this installment, I wanted to focus on Batman.  There’s just SO much you can take out of context with classic Batman stories.  Some of it looks a bit odd even in context.

From Batman 256:

Once a night is quite enough for Batman!

Don’t force me.  Wow.

FOLLOW THE JUMP FOR MORE AWESOMENESS!!!

Robin likes to watch?  Wait a second…what was this Cowboy trick?

And while we’re talking about abuse…a word from the Joker.

The next few gems come from Batman #255

Nothing unusual going on here.  Shirtless men, working up a sweat.  Big phallic symbol on the ground.  Nope.  Nothing to see here.

Bruce likes a gentle massage…

The talk of the men being men raises Batman’s temperature.

I’m not sure what happened between the panels.  But, I’m not sure I want to either.

What exactly did the young Hollywood star need help with?