Arifur Rahman
Story of Cartoon: Words often evolve in fascinating ways, sometimes shifting from a concrete meaning to a metaphorical one, and vice versa. Take the word vitriol, for instance—it originally referred to a concentrated sulfuric acid but later came to signify “harsh and angry words.” Similarly, commodity started as a term for “amount” or “usefulness” and gradually transformed into something that is bought or sold. The evolution of words showcases how ideas can turn into tangible concepts and vice versa. The term cartoon is a prime example of this linguistic transformation, evolving from an artistic term to a symbol of humor and animation.
From Fine Art to Humor
Originally, cartoon referred to a design, drawing, or painting created as a model for a finished artwork. It was used in the fine arts to describe a full-scale preparatory sketch for frescos, paintings, mosaics, or tapestries. These large drawings were typically made on strong paper and served as guides for transferring designs onto a final medium. In 1828, Noah Webster defined cartoon in his dictionary as:
CARTOON (noun): In painting, a design drawn on strong paper, to be afterward calked [rubbed] through and transferred onto the fresh plaster of a wall, to be painted in fresco. Also, a design colored for working in mosaic, tapestry, etc.
The term entered English in the 1600s from the Italian word cartone, meaning “pasteboard.” Interestingly, carton—which now refers to a box made of cardboard—shares the same root. Both words trace back to the Latin charta, meaning “a leaf of papyrus,” which also gave rise to chart and charter (as seen in Magna Carta, meaning “Great Charter”).
The Birth of the Humorous Cartoon
The transformation of cartoon into a term for humorous illustrations began in the 19th century. In 1843, the British humor magazine Punch announced a series of illustrated political satires under the title Punch’s Cartoons:
Punch has the benevolence to announce that in an early number of his ensuing Volume he will astonish the Parliamentary Committee by the publication of several exquisite designs, to be called Punch’s Cartoons!
Thus, cartoon took on a new life—no longer confined to the realm of fine arts, it became associated with satirical and humorous drawings.
From Static Art to Moving Animation
As the popularity of humorous drawings grew, cartoon extended beyond single-panel illustrations to encompass comic strips, animated films, and television shows. Eventually, the term also took on a metaphorical meaning, as seen in modern usage:
- The Apprentice, many complain, is a cartoon version of the real world. —USA Today, April 15, 2004
- Playing a cartoon version of what a shallow man most hates—engagement, political passion—she smuggles in social critique. —The New York Times, June 22, 2017
In these instances, cartoon is used to describe something exaggerated, simplified, or even unrealistic. This usage stems from the caricature-like nature of cartoons, which often amplify characteristics for comedic or satirical effect.
Understanding Context: The Many Faces of ‘Cartoon’
While cartoon today is most commonly associated with animated television shows and comic strips, its historical significance in fine arts should not be overlooked. If you hear the term in an art museum, it might not refer to a humorous drawing at all but rather to a preparatory sketch for a painting or mural. This dual meaning highlights the richness of language evolution and the power of cultural shifts in shaping how we interpret words over time.
Thus, the story of cartoon is one of transformation—from a practical artistic tool to a vehicle for satire, humor, and eventually full-fledged animation. It proves that cartoons are not just for kids but are a dynamic part of both artistic tradition and popular culture.
3 Comments