Origins of Cowabunga!

[Shreddhead]

I feel like this has had to of been discussed somewhere, but I cant find any thread dedicated to the topic.

When was the first time you heard the phrase "Cowabunga"? I imagine for the majority of us Dromers it was the 87 OT series, or maybe even some predated surfer lingo if you can remember. I know for me it was Michelangelo, although others may remember Bart Simpson reviving the phrase along with "Don't have a cow, man". And what did it mean exactly? Well, for Mike, Bart, and surfers alike, it was an all-purpose cry of jubilation. But as far as I can tell, the first person to utter this unforgettable expression was Bill LeCornec.

Bill LeCornec played a number of roles on the 'Howdy Doody Show,' including Chief Thunderthud of the Ooragnak. (How many of you remember that show.........thats what i thought). Here he used the expression usually to express grief at the practical jokes played on him(usually by Clarabell).