Sinister: linguistic trainspotting

[Ryanerik]

In a message dated 98-03-08 23:42:16 EST, you write:

<< Say, since this list has already tackled spawny gits & the bar vs. 
 biscuit conundrum, I was hoping someone could take a crack at the 
 significance of 'pants.'  Clearly, it is undesirable to be deemed pants, 
 but why? To Americans pants are just, I guess you'd say, 'trousers.'  
 Surely there are more disagreeable items of apparel to be compared to:  
 jock strap, thong, adult diaper... Please explain. >>
 
Yes.  To me, an American, pants are just "trousers" (or slacks, or
britches...)  What does it mean to be labeled "PANTS?"  does it mean crazy?
Unintelligent?  I can honestly say I've never heard of someone being called
"pants" until i read it on this list... please DO explain.

Duke "no pants" Schmidt
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