Professor Popinjay's Compendium of Perspicacity

First published April 30, 2015

Angela asks:

Professor Popinjay, Why did Yankee doodle name the feather in his cap macaroni?

Dear Angela,
As it turns out, this song was invented by the attacking British. It’s archaic colloquialisms imply that the Americans were disorganized and disheveled. The term macaroni was associated with a kind of wig. The macaroni club was a congregation of British men considered by most to be foppish effeminate dandies. The line in question in this song is implying that the Americans considered themselves at the height of fashion simply by sticking a feather in their hats. The Americans did what most Americans would do when faced with such insults, they owned it! Now for your entertainment, here’s a reply verse.

Brittish soldiers came to town
wearing bright white X’s
they stood in line
We aimed just fine
then om-nommed like T-rexes

Sorry about that last line. There’s not alot that rhymes with X’s. Patriotically yours, Professor Popinjay

P.S. Does anyone know where I can find a giant powdered wig? Asking for a friend.