phrases, sayings, idioms and expressions at

The Phrase Finder
Phrases, Sayings and Idioms Home > Discussion Forum

- We are also on

A Phrase A Week - Facebook Group & Follow aphraseaweek on Twitter

Re: Homecoming Queen an Political Correctness

Posted by Bookworm on December 03, 2004

In Reply to: Re: Homecoming Queen posted by David FG on December 02, 2004

: : : Apologies if this has been done before, but I recently heard the Monkees song 'Cheer up Sleepy Jean' and it contains the words 'and a Homecoming Queen'. Can anyone tell me what it means?

: : : Many thanks.

: : : DFG

: :
: : Once a year at most American schools, from Highschool upward, there is a weekend called "Homecoming". It's near the highpoint of the American football season and is a celebration both for students currently in school and those who have graduated. Graduates traditionally return for a visit which is why it is called "Homecoming". There is typically a parade and sometimes a dance. The most popular young man and young woman are elected Homecoming king and queen. For those of you familiar with Prom, it's a bit like that except that it takes place in the autumn.

: : As I'm writing about this, it reminds me of pagan harvest festivals - in a rather spooky way. Luckily for the king and queen the price of popularity doesn't involve human sacrifice or any of those embarrassing fertility rites, just wearing a silly hat and riding around in public atop a vintage car.

: : In the song it implies that Jean is special.

:
: Thank you - each to his own, I suppose!

: DFG

Alas political correctness is taking over this grand old tradition as well. I heard a story recently that some school (I don't recall where) no longer coined them "king" and "queen" and they need not even be of different genders. They are selected on the basis of scholastic achievement and so forth. Popularity, looks and cool clothes are not considered at all. I forgot their exact titles, but I know they very PC.