T H E S H M O O P I E S
Shmoop/Shmoopy is our mutual and regrettable nickname for each other. Its use originated in a joke that backfired on us, twice:
Early in our dating history, Dale and a coworker were discussing another coworker's new romantic relationship, which was apparently in its mushy, infatuation stage. Dale's coworker described the couple as all "shmoopy-shmoopy," referring to the classic Seinfeld episode.
Early in our dating history, Dale and a coworker were discussing another coworker's new romantic relationship, which was apparently in its mushy, infatuation stage. Dale's coworker described the couple as all "shmoopy-shmoopy," referring to the classic Seinfeld episode.
We decided to re-enact this behavior in front of his best friends, the Lancasters, on our next double date. We rehearsed in private, referring to each other as “shmoopy” in cloying voices, so we wouldn't giggle during the actual date.
The day came when we went to lunch with the Lancasters and launched into our Shmoopy routine. Being smarter than us, they completely ignored our behavior. We were crushed! So, not only did our prank fail, but in private, we continued to refer to each other as Shmoopy...and it stuck. We've adapted it from time to time (shortened it to Shmoops when 2 syllables is too taxing; modified it to Xmupi when we lived in China), but we only use our real names when something serious is happening (i.e., Darcie is mad at Dale).
So, that's the scoop on the Shmoops part of our title. Let the adventure begin!