So, I thought why not start my own blog - jumping on the bandwagon if you will. Then I started thinking about what on earth could I possibly write about that would garner the interest of anyone other than myself. So I thought and thought and designed my blog page and thought some more and it struck me. I'm jumping on the bandwagon. Where the hell did that expression come from? Well lucky you, I'm going to tell you.
So let's break it down. The word bandwagon was first used in the good 'ol USA in 1855 by Phineas T. Barnum in his autobiography The Life of P.T. Barnum, Written by Himself. It is simply the name for the wagon that carried a circus band. However, P.T. Barnum is NOT credited for coining the phrase, just the word.
Even though he is not credited with coining the phrase, P.T. Barnum was a master showman. Circus workers had an inate skill at attracting attention with the ruckus of a parade going through town, complete with highly decorated bandwagons. Other than Circus Workers, Politicians have a knack at making spectacles of themselves. So, politicians used bandwagons to get their message out and have supporters literally get on the bandwagon to show their endorsement of a candidate.
The figurative use of the phrase "jump on the bandwagon" is credited to Teddy Roosevelt. He made the reference practice in his Letters, 1899 (published 1951):
After researching and writing this little blog, it got me thinking again. (uh oh...I know) Since this phrase was linked to politicians and it's everyone's favorite time of the year (woo hoo mud slinging), I just wanted to remind everyone to make sure to get out and vote. Especially all you savvy ladies out there. New Mexico has been a state longer than women have had the right to vote in this country. Make sure you honor all those women who fought and were jailed in their fight to bring women the right to vote. November 2. Be there or be lame."When I once became sure of one majority they tumbled over each other to get aboard the band wagon."
