"'Stand back,' Tom ejaculated!" Origin of the "Tom Swifty"?

[ministryman]

@UncleRojelio

“Good morning”, Tom said woodenly.

Am I doing this right?

Now that I understand what TYPE of wood you meant, I think so.

“I’m on pins and needles”, Tom said pointedly.

[ministryman]

@twickster

“This is a zombie, but I don’t have a problem leaving it open,” twicks said moderately.

“I don’t see the problem”, Tom said blindly.

[ministryman]

@kunilou

“it’s a Black thing,” Tom said darkly, then lightened up. “Like Sammy Sosa!”

“You are going to Hell for THAT Swifty”, Tom said devilishly.

[Colophon]

“Touché,” Tom said, with a pronounced accent.

[Recliner]

@RealityChuck

Multiple authors wrote Tom Swift: it was a product of the Stratemeyer Syndicate, and there were several series (a later one feature Tom Swift, Jr.).

While the except of the earliest books doesn’t have much in the standard “he said adverbly,” the speech tags are extremely awkward to modern ears: “replied the young man,” “went on the man,” “advised Tom Swift,” “advised Mr. Sharp,” “answered the lad,” etc. I can’t find a instance of a simple “he said.”

This is funny, because I remember reading a bit of a few Hardy Boys books some years ago and chuckling at the Tom-Swifty-esque usage – exactly as its being mentioned here. Very blatant, noticeable stylistic thang. And lo-and-behold – this appears to be the source. Cool!

[Polycarp]

@Colophon

“Touché,” Tom said, with a pronounced accent.

“Touché on using née on your résumé,” Tom said gravely.

[Polycarp]

@Harmonious_Discord

Tom Swift books up the wazoo.

I read a few, but I can’t stand to read anymore of them.

You swiftly tired of them?

[KittenKat]

@Polycarp

“Touché on using née on your résumé,” Tom said gravely.

Shouldn’t that be “Touché on using née on your résumé,” Tom said acutely?
“I’ve broken my pencil lead,” Tom said pointlessly.

[Intergalactic_Gladiator]

“My arm fell asleep,” Tom said numbly.

[Chefguy]

“Which should I read first: Garfield or Blondie?” Tom dithered.

[Intergalactic_Gladiator]

“I can’t wait to watch that new show on Fox about the high school singing club!” said Tom with glee.

… That may be pushing it.

[Chefguy]

@Intergalactic_Gladiator

“I can’t wait to watch that new show on Fox about the high school singing club!” said Tom with glee.

… That may be pushing it.

“But I watch Fox News exclusively!” Tom said ignorantly.

[ministryman]

“Don’t blame me; I voted for McCain,” Tom said conservatively.