The Numerous Theories That Attempt to Explain Why Women’s Breasts Are Called ‘Boobs’
In an unusually frank episode of Today I Found Out, host Simon Whistler speaks to the multiple theories that try to explain why women's breasts are known colloquially as boobs. He also explains why the term "boobs" is more widely used (and far more preferable) than other more explicit synonyms.
Related Laughing Squid PostsYou might be tempted to think from this that the definition of "stupid" gave rise to "boob" being used to describe breasts, perhaps because of the way they can sometimes make men do stupid things or because of something akin to the false stereotype of a "dumb blonde". "However, etymologists don't generally think this is the case; the evidence seems to indicate that "boobs", meaning "breasts", has an entirely separate and decidedly more innocent etymology, likely via the word "bubby", meaning "breast". As to where "bubby" came from, the two leading theories here are either via the German "bi1/4bbi", meaning "teat" (not well supported via documented evidence), or simply via baby talk. " in regards to why "boobs" seems to be the most popular synonym for breasts, it has been speculated that it may have something to do with the fact that, for whatever reason, most people don't seem to find the word offensive"