Sweetpea, the beloved character from Segar's Thimble Theatre comic strip and the subsequent Popeye cartoon series, received his unique name due to its prior use as a term of endearment.
The Origin of Sweetpea's Name
The name "Sweetpea" for the character is directly linked to the sweet pea flower, known for its delicate beauty and often associated with pleasure and lasting pleasure. However, the origin of the character's name goes a step further within the narrative world of Popeye.
Before the character Sweetpea was formally introduced as a baby in the animated shorts, "Sweet Pea" was already a familiar phrase used by the main character, Popeye, as a term of affection. This affectionate nickname was a common expression used by Popeye, indicating warmth and fondness. When the character of Sweetpea was later added to the series, this pre-existing term of endearment naturally became his given name, cementing his identity as a cherished figure.
In summary, Sweetpea's name derives from:
- The Flower: A direct reference to the Lathyrus odoratus, commonly known as the sweet pea flower.
- Popeye's Affection: More significantly, it was a pre-existing term of endearment frequently used by Popeye himself to express affection, which then became the character's name.
This origin story highlights the character's role as a source of joy and affection within the Popeye universe.
