"Edumication" - eh, what? Where'd this come from?

In My Humble Opinion
1

Here’s a saying I don’t get. This word is a hit amongst my in-laws, and various co-workers I’ve had, most of whom have no post-secondary education.

It goes something like: “I’m edumicated,” and seems to imply that the speaker’s lack of college education has absurdly adverse effects on their vocabulary, which they are pretending to be ironically unaware of. I assume it’s supposed to be funny. (But then my sense of humor is not so much different as it is sprained.)

But I’m not pitting the joke - well, I’m not even IMHOing the joke - it’s the word I don’t get.

Does anyone have any idea where this “edumication” word came from? Good luck googling for it - there’s about a bajillion different spellings.

2

I always associate it with Bugs Bunny, who often mispronounced words. (e.g., ‘maroon’ for ‘moron’)

3

According to this, it’s associated with Popeye.

4

Now that you mention it, that sounds correct.

5

Q.E.D. - that’s exactly what I was trying to find. Thank you!

Looks like the word might also have roots in racist stereotypes.

6

Oh. And I thought it was making fun of Bush.