It’s Thimble Theater (Popeye), 1936. In response to a mysterious noise, Poopdeck sez, “Well, if ye don’t hear it maybe it’s jus’ in me head. Maybe I be gettin’ pixilated…” Popeye sez, “Pixilated??? Oh, I see, ya means pixilated like Gary was in that movin’ pitcher…arf! arf!”
I’m gonna guess Gary Cooper, but what the humorous aspect was I have no idea. Pixilated meant drunk, I’m guessing.
- Longfellow Deeds: Now, uh, Jane, a little while ago you said I was pixilated. Do you still think so?
- [Jane whispers to Amy; Amy whispers back]
- Jane Faulkner: Why, you’ve always been pixilated, Longfellow.
- Amy Faulkner: Always.
- Longfellow Deeds: That’s fine, hm, I guess maybe I am. And now tell me something, Jane: who else in Mandrake Falls is pixilated?
- Jane Faulkner: Why, everybody in Mandrake Falls is pixilated - except us.
- Amy Faulkner: Mm-hmm.
—Mr. Deeds Goes to Town (1936) - Quotes - IMDb
Noise? I’m thinking pixilated meant shot with a gun.
WAG
Dictionaries are fantastic, and especially useful in the Internet age. Because I sure as heck don’t know the definition of everything either, LOL.
https://www.collinsdictionary.com/us/dictionary/english/pixilated
Note that it’s a completely different word than “pixelated” (spelled with a “e” instead of an “i”).
It means “confused” or “crazy”, or maybe eccentric or odd. It’s an old word going back to the 1800s. Think of pixies, mischievous little fairies that can mess with your mind with a spell. And in British slang, it can mean drunk as well (since a drunk person certainly can act crazy and/or confused).
The first answer was correct. The Deeds reference.
Thanks, Dropo!