Mark Felt did not choose the codename “Deep Throat”; it was given to him by Washington Post editors, specifically managing editor Howard Simons, as a playful reference tied to newsroom culture and terminology. The name originated from the phrase “deep background,” a journalistic term describing information that sources provide but expect to remain off the record. As reporter Bob Woodward referred to his confidential source as “my friend,” Simons dubbed the source “Deep Throat,” borrowing from the title of a then-famous pornographic film. This nickname stuck primarily because of its catchy and provocative nature.
At the time, the phrase “Deep Throat” was entering public awareness through media advertising and talk shows discussing the film, yet its direct sexual meaning was not universally emphasized within newsroom culture. The 1970s newsroom environment was marked by a form of masculine humor where such nicknames were common and not likely viewed with the sensitivity they might attract today.
Importantly, Felt himself was not involved in or likely aware of this codename. The choice came from the journalists and editors managing the story and was never meant as a codename with secret symbolism or prior significance for any particular group.
The deeper implication of “deep” relates to the confidential and foundational nature of the information Felt provided, while “throat” symbolizes the source’s role in ‘speaking’ or ‘leaking’ information. This practical journalistic metaphor was transformed into a memorable moniker that helped cloak Felt’s identity during the Watergate investigation.
- “Deep Throat” links to “deep background” in journalistic terms, meaning off-the-record, confidential information.
- The codename was coined by Howard Simons, not Mark Felt.
- The name referenced a well-known pornographic movie, reflecting 1970s newsroom humor and culture.
- Felt likely did not know the nickname or its full cultural connotations at the time.
- The nickname became emblematic of secret journalistic sources leaking critical information.
Why Did Mark Felt Use the Codename “Deep Throat” to Communicate with Woodward and Bernstein?
Mark Felt didn’t choose the codename “Deep Throat” himself; it was a nickname assigned by Washington Post editors. The name emerged from a mix of newsroom slang and the cultural moment of the early 1970s rather than any secret or symbolic message from Felt. So, why “Deep Throat”? And what did this phrase really mean at the time?
Let’s dive into this intriguing question.
The Origin of “Deep Throat”: Newspaper Jargon Meets Pop Culture
At the heart of the nickname lies a straightforward piece of newspaper terminology: “deep background.”
When Bob Woodward spoke with his secretive source inside the FBI, he referred to the information as coming from “deep background.” This means the source provided insights that could not be directly quoted or named but were crucial for the story. Essentially, it was information from very deep inside the government bureaucracy.
One day, Woodward explained this relationship to Howard Simons, managing editor of the Washington Post. Woodward had been calling the elusive tipster “my friend.” Simons, with a sharp sense of humor, fitted the situation with a nickname — “Deep Throat.” This was the title of a wildly famous pornographic film that had grabbed public attention several years before. The name was catchy, mischievous, and somewhat cheeky.
And just like that, the codename stuck.
Did the Phrase Have a Non-Sexual Meaning at the Time? Not Really.
The phrase “Deep Throat” did not enjoy a meaning separate from its explicit reference before the film. The 1972 pornographic movie “Deep Throat” had vaulted the phrase into popular culture. It had become widely known, talked about on talk shows and advertised in newspapers.
So, this nickname tapped into the prevailing cultural awareness around the movie, though it certainly wasn’t chosen to hint at anything risqué related to the actual source. It’s important to note that deep background in journalism and “Deep Throat” the film title were entirely unrelated, except for this playful nicknaming by newsroom editors.
Mark Felt Wasn’t in On the Joke
Here’s a fun twist: Mark Felt never knew about the nickname. Washington Post editors coined it to keep track of the anonymous source in their own way. Felt himself had no say in the matter and, given the secretive nature of his role, probably never heard the name until it was publicized years later.
This anonymity helped protect Felt’s identity. The playful name masked the seriousness behind the leaks helping unravel the Watergate scandal.
A Window into 1970s Newsroom Culture
By today’s standards, attaching a nickname like “Deep Throat” to a whistleblower might raise eyebrows.
But the early 1970s newsroom culture was a male-dominated, joking environment, where playful, sometimes risqué nicknames were common and accepted. The name reflected not just the secretive nature of the source but also the newsroom’s blend of gravity and dry humor.
This also served to create a mystique around the source. Readers and staff alike were intrigued by “Deep Throat,” wondering who this insider might be — a nickname that perfectly balanced secrecy, sensationalism, and the newsroom’s informal spirit.
Why This Matters Today: Lessons from a Nickname
Understanding why the codename “Deep Throat” was used teaches us about how language, culture, and secrecy intertwine in journalism.
- It shows how nicknames can arise organically from workplace culture and popular references.
- It reminds us that sometimes, names chosen for sources reflect more about those who name them than the sources themselves.
- It highlights the importance of protecting whistleblowers—names help hide identities in critical moments.
For journalists and media enthusiasts today, the story behind “Deep Throat” is a fascinating peek into newsrooms that combined serious reporting with a touch of irreverence.
Would a Different Codename Have Changed History?
What if Woodward and Bernstein’s secret source had been nicknamed “Deep Source” or “Silent Partner”? Would we remember the Watergate story as vividly? Probably not. The sensational edge gave the scoop an unforgettable hook.
Yet, the legacy of the name also highlights a key point: The *meaning* behind the codename mattered little compared to the *information* it guarded. Without Felt’s leaks, the course of American political history might have been very different.
Final Thoughts
So, Why did Mark Felt use the codename “Deep Throat”? He didn’t. The Washington Post editors named him. The choice connected journalistic “deep background” with a popular cultural reference widely recognized by the public in 1972. The phrase had no secret or alternative meaning beyond this link.
Felt remained unaware, focusing on the vital task of being the quiet source behind the headlines. The nickname “Deep Throat” became a part of history, forever tying together pop culture, newsroom wit, and one of the greatest investigative stories ever told.
Sometimes, a name is just a name. But, in this case, it captured the imagination of a nation and underscored how hidden voices can shake the foundations of power.
Why was Mark Felt called “Deep Throat” by Woodward and Bernstein?
The nickname came from managing editor Howard Simons, not Felt himself. Woodward called the source “my friend,” but Simons named him after a famous pornographic movie, and the label stuck.
Did “Deep Throat” have a non-sexual meaning in the newsroom before the nickname?
Yes. In newspaper terms, it referred to information given on “deep background,” meaning the source provides details but not direct quotes or attribution.
Was the nickname chosen with any knowledge of the movie’s meaning?
Simons knew about the movie, and the nickname reflected newsroom humor of the time. The phrase was already known due to advertising and talk shows, so it had cultural context.
Did Mark Felt have any say or awareness of the codename “Deep Throat”?
Felt did not choose the name and likely did not know about the nickname during the investigations. It was a creation of the Post editors for internal use.
Why didn’t the nickname cause controversy in 1972 newsrooms?
Newsrooms then had a masculine culture tolerant of risqué jokes. The name would not have seemed especially shocking or unusual in that environment.
