The term “cootie,” referring to a germ or a source of contamination, appears as slang within Harper Lee’s To Kill a Mockingbird to denote social ostracization and perceived dirtiness. The children, Scout, Jem, and Dill, use the term to express their aversion to certain classmates or individuals they deem undesirable, typically due to poverty or perceived unhygienic conditions. For instance, a child might be labeled as having “cooties” to justify excluding them from play or social interaction.
The presence of this colloquialism provides valuable insight into the social dynamics and prejudices prevalent in the Depression-era South depicted in the novel. It highlights the children’s immature understanding of social hierarchies and their tendency to adopt the biases of the adult community. The usage of such a term, though childish, reflects a deeper societal issue of classism and the stigmatization of poverty, demonstrating how prejudice can be internalized and expressed even at a young age. It serves as a tool for the children to establish social boundaries and reinforce their own positions within their peer group.
