March 03, 2004

JODY

My husband called this morning, and it was the first time that I didn't take notes. Not much has changed, so we just got to spend the time talking about nothing, which was nice. He also told me a funny story. He tried to call me several times on Monday but never got through (normally it's my day off, but I traded with my co-worker) and didn't know where I was. He joked with his soldiers that I must be at Jody's house since he couldn't find me; "Jody" is the Army word for "the guy your wife's cheating on you with." His soldiers immediately responded with a chorus of "No way, sir! We've met your wife and she'd never do that! She's too nice!" Husband explained that he was just kidding, but he thought it was sweet of them to come to my defense. At least I know they like me, and no one said, "For real? Maybe she is?"

By the way, I have no idea why they use the name "Jody". It sounds like a girl's name to me anyway, but that's the standard joke; if you talk about Jody, everyone knows what you mean. Do any of you out there know where that name came from?

Posted by Sarah at March 3, 2004 08:14 AM
Comments

When I was young (such a long time ago) that was a term blacks used in that context. I don't know where it originated, but I remember souls songs using it.

Posted by: Mike at March 3, 2004 03:27 PM

I am sorry that you did not get to talk with him on Monday. But he did get to call me and nothing is as good as hearing your son's voice. Maybe you should take more time with "Jody". Just joking. I love to hear about him anyway I can and you have been wonderful in keeping us informed. But still nice to hear the voice.

Thanks,
His Mom

Posted by: Maryellen at March 3, 2004 04:45 PM

Mike,

If "Jody" is in soul songs, there is a remote chance that "Jody" is an Anglicized African word which happens to resemble an English name. Alas, I am not an Ebonics expert, so I can only guess.

This site lists several examples of words of Ebonics origin with their hypothetical African etymologies:

http://www.une.edu.au/langnet/aave.htm

Posted by: Amritas at March 3, 2004 05:20 PM

This was "covered" in a Mail Call episode a few months back on the history channel. Supposedly goes back to WWII when they used to sing Jodys (or is it Jodies?) about the guy back home who was with your wife/girlfriend/significant other. However, if I recall correctly, there was no explanation why the generic name 'Jody' was chosen for this person, or at least not one they could find anywhere.

Posted by: Scurvyboy at March 3, 2004 05:50 PM

The name "Jody" is used in conjuction with the name "Joe", which is used to identify new soldiers in a unit. They are given that name because nobody knows, (or in my unit) nobody cares to know their name. Hince the name "Jody" refers to someone who's name you don't know sleeping with your wife/girlfriend. Don't worry I tell my girlfriend I know she's sleeping around on me. It's just something we do to make you laugh, which in turn makes us laugh. Over here that's just what we need.

Posted by: Birdie at March 6, 2004 02:43 AM

the name Jody is a nickname derived from joseph, it means "God shall add"

Posted by: jody burry at October 5, 2004 10:04 PM