“PE” stands for “physical education,” but to some, it stands for “public embarrassment.” “‘For millions of students, P.E. stands for Public Embarrassment,’ according to the National Education Association” appears to have been cited in print in 1988. (The Google Books date might not be accurate.)
“PE does not stand for Physical Education it stands for Public Embarrassment” has been popular on Twitter since January 18, 2013.
Google Books
Track & Field Quarterly Review
Volumes 88-89
1988
Pg. 5:
“For millions of students, P.E. stands for Public Embarrassment,” according to the National Education Association. A sad, but true statement.
a product of the igeneration
thursday, september 07, 2006
P.E. - No longer physical education
Public Embarrassment. That’s what it is now.
In today’s high school P.E. classes, you are pretty much forced to perform sport tasks that you may not be up to handling. Example: soccer. You’re “dribbling” the ball across the gym, practicing your skills, then you trip and bust your knee on the floor. Do either of your P.E. teachers ask if you’re OK? No. Are helped? No. You just get back up and are forced to keep going.
Twitter
unfollow me
@literallynicole
PE should stand for Public Embarrassment, it would make x10000000 more sense
11:59 AM - 9 Sep 12
Twitter
100% done.
@SlothPuke
physical education more like public embarrassment
8:00 PM - 17 Jan 2013
Twitter
LOLbots 😊
@LOLgians
PE does not stand for Physical Education it stands for Public Embarrassment
9:09 PM - 18 Jan 13
Twitter
jack kuehborn
@jack_kuehborn
PE doesn’t stand for physical education. it stands for public embarrassment
9:50 PM - 24 Oct 2013
Above, a 1934 plaque from the Big Apple Night Club at West 135th Street and Seventh Avenue in Harlem. Discarded as trash in 2006. Now a Popeyes fast food restaurant on Google Maps.
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Above, Big Apple Corner at 54th Street and Broadway in Manhattan. Google Maps. Stolen and missing, 2021-2024.
Above, John J. Fitz Gerald, from the Aug. 15, 1931, Binghamton (NY) Press, pg. 14.
Listen to Robert Emmerich introduce "The Big Apple," a hit song from 1937. Music written by Bob and performed by Tommy Dorsey's Clambake Seven with Bob on piano. Lyrics written by Buddy Bernier and sung by Edythe Wright. Audio provided by Dorothy Emmerich.
Also listen to a 1937 "The Big Apple" song by Ozzie Nelson and his Orchestra. See a 1929 photo of John J. Fitz Gerald and a 1931 photo of John J. Fitz Gerald.
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