New Post
Search
Help[Opinions] Re: Reginald
in reply to a message by Starfish and Coffee
It's almost cliched-British-aristocrat, except for the fact that it was very stylish a couple generations ago for black guys in the US, and there are/were several famous athletes named Reggie. So it has two very different images for me depending on if it's Reginald or Reggie. Reggie is a fun, friendly kind of name but I wouldn't say I liked it.
Before you criticize a man, walk a mile in his shoes. That way, when you criticize him, you're a mile away and you have his shoes!
Steve Martin
Before you criticize a man, walk a mile in his shoes. That way, when you criticize him, you're a mile away and you have his shoes!
Steve Martin
Archived Thread - replies disabled
1
Replies
Is it weird my first thought when hearing Reginald/Reggie is of the Archie comics character? lol
3
I didn't think of him at all, which is strange!
I was thinking about the Reginald who worked for Nintendo.
I was thinking about the Reginald who worked for Nintendo.
1
Reginald is only "cliched British aristocrat" in the USA. In Britain itself Reginald evidently was not seen as particularly upper-class and working class blokes called Reg or Reggie were not hard to find. Of course Reginald was out of fashion in the UK among all social classes for a couple of generations, though the data on this site show it may be increasing again in England the last few years.
Reginald is one of several names which had "British upper class" stereotypes in the USA which were especially popular in the African-American community during the 20th century. Other examples include Cedric, Nigel, and Percy. I believe this came from the same motivation that later led to African-Americans being the group most likely to invent brand new names for their children -- parents wanted to send a message to their children they were just as good as anyone else and could aspire to great things.
Reginald is one of several names which had "British upper class" stereotypes in the USA which were especially popular in the African-American community during the 20th century. Other examples include Cedric, Nigel, and Percy. I believe this came from the same motivation that later led to African-Americans being the group most likely to invent brand new names for their children -- parents wanted to send a message to their children they were just as good as anyone else and could aspire to great things.
This message was edited 11/15/2021, 9:35 AM
5
I can only imagine a black Reginald indeed, especially if he’s American.
1
I've never met a Nigel, white, black or plaid. It's just a funny-looking and funny-sounding name.
And of course there's malcolm, which maybe doesn't sound posh (more Scottish, if I think about it) but which was quite stylish for black kids a generation or three ago. Possibly inspired by Malcolm X? Or later, Malcolm Jamal Warner, who was very cool.
And of course there's malcolm, which maybe doesn't sound posh (more Scottish, if I think about it) but which was quite stylish for black kids a generation or three ago. Possibly inspired by Malcolm X? Or later, Malcolm Jamal Warner, who was very cool.
1
As always, thank you Mr. Evans. Negative stereotypes have got to stop.
This message was edited 11/15/2021, 10:07 AM
1
That is very interesting. Thank you. :)
2