Meaning
What does Sweet Summer Child mean?
Sweet summer child is a phrase, popularized by the fantasy novels A Song of Ice and Fire and the television series, Game of Thrones, written by George R. R. Martin.
The expression is used to describe someone who is naive, inexperienced and untested by the harsh reality of the world.
In the fantasy world of George R. R. Martin, the seasons last for years, so a young child born in summer is yet to face the cold and struggles, presented by winter.
Origin
What's the origin of Sweet Summer Child?
The phrase had already existed, prior to the works of Martin, appearing in poems, such as The West Wind by James Staunton Babcock in 1849.
However, in 1996, George R. R. Martin claimed the phrase in his book A Game of Thrones, and his fans eagerly started using it.
Spread & Usage
How did Sweet Summer Child spread?
“Sweet summer child” was popularized on May 1st, 2011, by the third episode of the television series Game of Thrones, titled Lord Snow.
Due to the massive success of the series, fans started using it, both in conversations as well as online.
In 2011 and 2012, the phrase was featured on several memes, especially on sites like 9GAG.
“Sweet summer child” was first defined on Urban Dictionary in 2015.
External resources
- The Wrap – What the New ‘Game of Thrones’ Tagline, ‘Fear Is For the Winter,’ Tells Us About Season 7
- Urban Dictionary – Sweet Summer Child