LSU geography and anthropology will discuss the origins of the now popular “Who Dat” phrase at its next forum on Friday. Have you ever wondered where the term “Who Dat?” came from?
The phrase was first documented in the 19th century and was used by popular black entertainers, according to a report by The Root.
“Who dat says dat humble praises, Wif de Master nevah counts?” appears in Paul Dunbar’s 1895’s “When Malindy Sings” poem.
Shana Walton, a professor at Nichols State University, will present “Who Dat as a Language Commodity: Copyright Law, Communities of Origin, and the Who Dat Nation” at 3:30 p.m., Nov. 30 in E130 Howe Russel Kniffen Geosciences Complex.
Walton has previously testified in a trial that involved a Louisiana recording company, two T-shirt vendors and a restaurant over merchandising rights of the phrase “Who Dat?” – a popular chant made popular by New Orleans Saints fans.
The research considers the following questions: when do you feel like a phrase is part of your culture, and how does this ownership get recognized?
The event is open to the public and a reception will follow shortly after the presentation.