"The difference between a Pansy and a Viola is a question that puzzles many a garden-lover who is not enlightened by the statement that while all Pansies are really Violas, not all Violas are suitable for classification as Pansies"
The Ontario city of Cornwall's garden club innocently suggested that their community become known as the 'City of Pansies.' More in tune advice prevailed. But why a delightful garden flower become associated by homosexuality is something of a mystery. The usage has been dated to the 1920s, as a variation on the earlier 'nancy.' In turn, this itself dated back a further century to the 1820s 'Miss Nancy.'
