The 20th anniversary of Nirvana’s “Nevermind” is an excellent occasion on which to recall an epic prank played on the New York Times by Megan Jasper, the receptionist for Sub Pop records at the time.
When an over-eager Times reporter demanded to know the jargon used by followers of Seattle scene bands, the story goes, she fabricated some neologisms and phrases which were reported in the NYT as the real deal:
bloated, big bag of bloatation – drunk
bound-and-hagged – staying home on Friday or Saturday night
cob nobbler – loser
dish – desirable guy
fuzz – heavy wool sweaters
harsh realm – bummer
kickers – heavy boots
lamestain – uncool person
plats – platform shoes
rock on – a happy goodbye
score – great
swingin’ on the flippity-flop – hanging out
tom-tom club – uncool outsiders
wack slacks – old ripped jeans
In an item this week about commemorations in Seattle, the NYT handled things a little better.
(via @katephillips and @damiencave)
UPDATE: Pesco reminds us that Megan Jasper is now VP of Sub Pop! Here she tells the story.