ChatterBank0 min ago
ZZZZZZZ's used to describe asleep in cartoons
7 Answers
In all cartoons etc. why is it that the letter Z is used for being asleep?
What is the meaning behind the letter Z in this instance, and not, say for example the letter S?
Thanks AB'ers
What is the meaning behind the letter Z in this instance, and not, say for example the letter S?
Thanks AB'ers
Answers
Best Answer
No best answer has yet been selected by merton69. Once a best answer has been selected, it will be shown here.
For more on marking an answer as the "Best Answer", please visit our FAQ.I would say that using Z's for sleep/snoring is a form of image onomatop�ia
(Doesn't Z seem more right to you than S?)
(Doesn't Z seem more right to you than S?)
The earliest recorded use of the letter to represent any buzzing sound was in a book published in the 1850s by the American writer, Thoreau. He wrote, "The dry z-ing of the locust is heard." Not until the 1920s was it used specifically to stand for snoring.
I'd say SH's last response above is the answer...ie zzz just sounds like mild snoring.
I'd say SH's last response above is the answer...ie zzz just sounds like mild snoring.
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