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I haven't read "Hogfather" (though I've read a few other Discworld novels) so had no idea there was a "pretentious suburban snob" character with the name in that book.
I must say that I think most Americans would have more of a "rural hick" image of Twyla than "suburban snob", unless they are fans of Twyla Tharp, the famous dancer and choreographer. However, I note that the Wikipedia article on Ms. Tharp says she was born on a farm in Indiana and claims "She was named for Twila Thornburg, the "Pig Princess" of the 89th Annual Muncie Fair". Yup, the "Pig Princess" at the Muncie Fair fits what I assume is the American stereotype of the name. :)
I must say that I think most Americans would have more of a "rural hick" image of Twyla than "suburban snob", unless they are fans of Twyla Tharp, the famous dancer and choreographer. However, I note that the Wikipedia article on Ms. Tharp says she was born on a farm in Indiana and claims "She was named for Twila Thornburg, the "Pig Princess" of the 89th Annual Muncie Fair". Yup, the "Pig Princess" at the Muncie Fair fits what I assume is the American stereotype of the name. :)
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The Pig Princess (almost) proves that there is some vast, eternal plan! Hogfather is the Discworld equivalent of Santa Claus, and the food most associated with his festival is sausages. Twyla and Gawain are small children, very keen on Hogfather therefore, and they were named by their socially inept but ambitious mother; she was the pretentious suburban snob, not them. They become very well behaved, since Death's granddaughter Susan is their strict but fair governess.
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First time I saw it was in one of the Terry Pratchett books, where it was an example of the ultimate in pretentious suburban snobbery. I've never encountered one IRL and that suits me just fine.
ETA I've just looked it up. The book is Hogfather, and Twyla's brother is Gawain.
ETA I've just looked it up. The book is Hogfather, and Twyla's brother is Gawain.
This message was edited 10/1/2023, 8:18 AM
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