Cockroaches (Re: "kook")

[jbor]

----------
>From: <lycidas2 at earthlink.net>
>

>> 
>> I don't think that the names "Kook" or Cucarachito, when used by his friends
>> and family, are either meant or taken offensively.
>
> I'm not sure. Perhaps P has selected this name to play off
> the stereotypes. So the name, cucarichito (only noted once)
> is not so much part of the story, as a subversive naming by
> the author.  It could be a name affectionately given to the
> boy when he was tiny. "My little mouse", "my little bug." We
> can't say. But, while Pynchon may like bugs, cockroaches,
> little or big, are not well liked in NYC.

See also 362.25 and 364.7: "Cucarachita".

Can't find the English lyrics anywhere, but I certainly remember being
taught 'La Cucaracha' as a kid.

http://www.mty.itesm.mx/dcic/carreras/lcc/cine_mex/peliculas/cucaracha.html
http://www.tue.nl/best/songbook/spanish.htm
http://www.eaglerock-is.com/ilovelucy/ill-x2.asp
http://www.cannabinoid.com/wwwboard/culture/messages/1/1680.shtml
http://www.the-forum.com/EPHEMERA/popsong.htm
(see 1936)

best