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First appearing in 1918 in reference to "Nautical Slang," the word was then referenced as that which is (1)nervous or upset. Then in 1938, we find a recorded usage of the word in Australia. This time, the word is intended to mean (2)'White person.' In 1945, once again in Australia, we see the recorded usage of it being used to denote an (3)'effeminate,' or a male homosexual. It wasn't until 1962, in the December issue of Sports Illustrated Magazine--of all places--that we find the word meaning (4)a disparaging term for a studious or hard working person. It has been thought that the term originated (in this denotation), at Harvard University, as a synonym for nerd. pl. talkathon
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