Hi,
I came here from Wikipedia where you were referenced as the source for the origin of sidekick. I am interested in this word and posted this message at Wikipedia for more info. I couldn’t find the original string here so I’ve started a new one. Hope I didn’t violate any protocol.
Can anybody supply any other documentation on sidekick being used in reference to pick-pockets and kick being “the front side pocket of pair of trousers?” This origin seems counter-intuitive to the way sidekick has been used.
Since language grows metaphorically out of the human condition I would like to offer some intuitions on sidekick. Sidekick was the term used for a close horse riding companion; close enough to kick the side of the other horse, sometimes causing the horse to vault. Sidekick moved into vaudeville where a lead stage actor “kicked” a companion actor for comic relief.
The jump into or from other forms of entertainment / literature seems to originate from a deeper human relationship that predates “pockets and trousers.” Could Eve (out of Adam’s side) have been the first sidekick and what a “kick” she gave to Adam!
I am very interested in the word sidekick and would appreciate any info grounding its origin in the written word. Where did the factual trail begin?
Thank you. pudgala2