The Evolution of Nantucket Limericks: From Bawdy to Clean

The Nantucket Limericks, a classic example of bawdy poetry, have a rich and varied history that spans from the 19th century to modern times. These limericks, often considered ribald or blue comedy, have been a source of amusement and controversy for decades. The origins of the limerick are uncertain, but they gained popularity in the 19th century, and this humorous verse about a girl from Nantucket is a perfect example of their enduring appeal.

Original Limericks and Their Origins

There was a girl from Nantucket,
She had a twat the size of a bucket.
But that was just down
When a giant came to town
As she was wheeled out to just fuck it.

Original Dirty Version:
The obsession with size and sexual prowess in the original limerick reflects the nature of early bawdy poetry. The mention of a giant and the girl's readiness to embark on a sexual encounter further highlight the anecdote's crude humor. It is important to note that these limericks are often considered ribald or blue comedy and may not be suitable for all audiences.

Clean and Standardized Versions

The clean and standardized version of the limerick maintains the structure and rhyming scheme but removes the crude language, offering a family-friendly alternative that retains the essence of the original verse. Here’s a cleaned-up version for broader audiences:

Clean Version:
There once was a man from Nantucket
who kept all his cash in a bucket.
His daughter named Nan
Ran away with a man
And as for the bucket, Nantucket.

The Nantucket Limerick: An Unusual Origin

Nantucket, the town mentioned in the poem, is a real place in Massachusetts, USA, known for its whaling history. The poem’s humor doesn’t stop with just this single limerick, as its history is fascinating and varied. The earliest published version, written by Prof. Dayton Voorhees in 1902, focuses on a man from Nantucket who keeps his cash in a bucket. Over the years, this narrative has transformed, with multiple versions circulating, often featuring either a man or a girl as the protagonist.

Multiple Versions of Nantucket Limericks

One version of the poem goes:

Girl Version:
There once was a girl from Nantucket
Who crossed the sea in a bucket.
And when she got there
They asked for a fare
So she pulled up her dress and said F it.

Another version takes a different approach:

Dirty Female Version:
There once was a gal from Nantucket
Who knew how to really suck it.
But then she dropped her drawers
And joined the whores
Now she can really fuck it.

These versions showcase the evolution and the range of interpretations over time. While the original was not about a girl but a man, the popularity and the rhyming possibilities with offensive words have led to countless modern adaptations. Since then, there have been hundreds of different versions, including some female versions, leading to a complex and diverse body of work that continues to captivate readers.

Conclusion

The Nantucket Limericks, with their bawdy humor and varied interpretations, serve as a lens into the history of bawdy poetry and the evolution of rhyme and reason in literature. These limericks, from the original bawdy versions to the clean and standardized renditions, offer a fascinating insight into the enduring appeal of humorous verse that continues to enthrall generations.