The Oxford English Dictionary ... of ROCK: Part 4 - Q-Tip

Nobody asked me to bring back the OED of rock series, but everybody hoped it would happen.

Amongst 2008's new entries is everybody's favourite squeaky-voiced jazz-rapping Baduizm sufferer, Q-Tip. Watch out behind you, Q! Damn, too late.

Q-tip, n.

Q n., the initial letter of QUALITY n. + TIP n.¹

The product was app. invented in 1923 by Leo Gerstenzang, a Polish-born American, who initially named them Baby Gays. In 1926 the name was changed to Q-tips Baby Gays, and later shortened to Q-tips.

A small, thin stick of plastic, paper, or wood with a cotton-wool swab at each end, used in personal hygiene, first aid, etc.

In the plural form Q-tips a proprietary name.

1926 Lancaster (Ohio) Daily Eagle 8 June 3 (advt.) ‘Q Tips’. The safe and sanitary medical applicators for both babies and adults. 1952 Good Housek. Dec. 48/2 (advt.) Hollywood stars and famous make-up experts consider Q-Tips a ‘must’ for glamorous grooming. 1985 New Yorker 18 Mar. 37/3 ‘I could be cynical, I really could,’ said Gary Epstein, whose business it is to clean cars with fine lotions..toothbrushes and Q-tips. 2000 P. SAMPSON in J. Adams et al. Girls' Night In 269, I get a pain in my own [ear], like when you stick a Q-tip in too far.

that ought to clear things up. i hope q-tip releases a record this year - he's really good. look:


and listen:

q-tip - 'won't trade you' (maddening radio rip)

q-tip - 'gettin up'