Sweet Pea received his distinctive name due to its association with the sweet pea flower and its prior use as a term of endearment by Popeye.
The Double Meaning Behind Sweet Pea's Name
The beloved character, Sweet Pea, from Segar's comic strip Thimble Theatre and the subsequent Popeye cartoon series, has a name rooted in a dual origin.
Here's a breakdown of how the name came about:
- Botanical Reference: Primarily, his name directly refers to the delicate and fragrant sweet pea flower. This connection adds a touch of innocent charm fitting for the character.
- Term of Affection: Before Sweet Pea was even introduced as a specific character in the animated shorts, the name "Sweet Pea" was already a common term of affection used by the main character, Popeye, himself. This established usage by Popeye likely paved the way for the character to inherit the affectionate moniker.
This combination of a floral reference and a pre-existing term of endearment used by Popeye gives Sweet Pea's name a unique and fitting origin within the world of his adventures.
