7. The Slang Term "Brainiac" Comes From The Name Of The Superman Villain, Not The Other Way Around
Even if you've never read a comic book in your life, you're probably familiar with the term Brainiac. However, most comic book fans don't realize that the word's origin is directly derived from one of DC's greatest villains of all time. Created by Otto Binder and Al Plastino, Brainiac first appeared in Action Comics #242 (July 1958). Brainiac is one of Superman's oldest foes. A Coluan genius with a twelfth-level intellect and hyper-advanced technology, he travels the universe seeking civilizations to shrink and abduct, which he then adds to his collection of captured worlds. The character is indeed the origin of the informal word which now means "genius". The name itself is a portmanteau of the words brain and maniac, with influence from ENIAC, the name of an early computer. So next time you call somebody a brainiac, just know that you're not only calling them a genius but you're calling them an evil genius. Well, not really, but you get the point.
Jesse Gumbarge is editor and chief blogger at JarvisCity.com - He loves old-school horror films and starting pointless debates. You can reach out at: JesseGumbarge@JarvisCity.com
