Jenn & I were having a discussion last night and I wondered aloud why no ever says “Dad & Mom”, most people preferring to refer first to their mother, then to their father: “Mom & Dad”.
As a parent, I can definitely understand the maternal bond/relationship, so I think it’s a matter of familial primacy, but it got me thinking about other paired relationships and why we usually say them in a certain order. The first of which, Batman & Robin, spawned the post title. I for one would never put the Boy Wonder ahead of the Caped Crusader, seeing as Bruce Wayne’s ward is the sidekick, so that’s one rule: Leaders lead sidekicks.
Here are a few other examples – feel free to add others in the comments – and my thought process on their organization:
- Salt & Pepper
The spices and the hair color are always referred to in this order.
- Thunder & Lightning
It seems odd that these two are in reverse chronological order. After all, thunder follows lightning in nature so why are they inverted in speech? (See also Sturm & Drang)
- Bert & Ernie
This one is alphabetical, I think, since Ernie is the star.
- Sonny & Cher
Arguably the name of a group, but still always arranged thusly.
- Oil & Vinegar/Oil & Water
Why is Oil always the star?
- Frick & Frack
A great example of how two things/people can become inextricably linked (in order, no less).
This list is far from exhaustive, but I figured it’s a good jumping-off point for further research, discussion and tomfoolery.
Have at it!
UPDATE: Drew hit on the glaringly obvious one we missed: Peanut Butter and Jelly. I’ll add some more via the comments.
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