bloodyrosemccoy: (Bat Signal)
bloodyrosemccoy ([personal profile] bloodyrosemccoy) wrote2012-10-18 03:00 pm

It Pairs So Nicely With "Goddamn"

Okay, so, there are a whole lot of aspects of his character, and of his overall story, that appeal to a vast number of people in this day and age. Something about him strikes a chord within us, resonates with our ideals and fears and wishes.

But I can't help wondering if any of Batman's long-lasting popularity is due to his name being so incredibly fun to say.

Just try saying "I'm Superman." Doesn't have nearly the same ring, does it?

[identity profile] westrider.livejournal.com 2012-10-18 11:40 pm (UTC)(link)
I remember reading somewhere (possibly XKCD) that native English speakers do have a preference for two-syllable words, and an even more marked one for those with a certain other pattern, something in the stresses or something. The whole Ninja/Pirate/Monkey/Robot/Zombie/Viking thing fit, as I recall.

"Batman", as far as I can tell, fits that pattern, too.

Of course, the fact that his whole character design is ridiculously archetypal certainly didn't hurt. But I think there may well be something phonetic there, too.

[identity profile] robintheshrew.livejournal.com 2012-10-19 01:20 am (UTC)(link)
I use the phrase "I'm the Goddam Batman" way too much when I'm drunk :P

[identity profile] dark-phoenix54.livejournal.com 2012-10-19 04:56 am (UTC)(link)
On the other hand, it perverts nicely to 'Buttman'

[identity profile] baroncognito.livejournal.com 2012-10-25 06:48 pm (UTC)(link)
I'm trying this over and over, but there's actually something about the way "Goddamn Superman" rolls off the tongue. I honestly prefer it to "Goddamn Batman."