10 Words Popularised By Comics

We're all familiar with the image of a young child cuddling a specific object to comfort them, especially during bedtime or a stressful period. The object in question can be a toy, a pacifier, a stuffed animal, or a blanket.

Although this concept was originally referred to as a transitional object or a comfort object, it's commonly referred to as a "security blanket" nowadays. The phrase may have been around since at least 1954 but it only became a familiar catchphrase thanks to the Peanuts comic strip.

One of the easiest characters to recognise in Charles M. Schulz' series is Linus van Pelt, who's is usually seen holding a blue blanket. In 1956's Good Grief, More Peanuts, Linus referred to this cuddly apparel as his "security and happiness blanket" for the very first time.

Over the years, Peanuts has become one of the most popular comic strips ever, spawning animated series, merchandise, and films. Since Linus is a regular character and he almost never appears without this treasured garment, it wasn't long before "security blanket" became a household turn of phrase.