But it was the scruffy-haired Old Etonian, Johnson, who ended Livingstone's reign as mayor in 2008, after a surprise win.

CNN: Johnson wins second term as London's mayor

Many munis are scruffy, but when you're a kid, or a newbie, you don't care much about the quality of the cart paths or the sharp edging around the bunkers.

WSJ: Saying Goodbye to the Local Muni

Others may view Mud as nothing more than a scruffy murderer on the run, but the kids see him, at least for a while, as a romantic renegade living out a violent adventure in the service of undying love.

WSJ: Classic, Your Name Is 'Mud' | Mud | At Any Price | The Reluctant Fundamentlist | Pain & Gain | Film Reviews by Joe Morgenstern

But if you think consumer co-op means scruffy types who can barely pay their bills, take another look at REI.

FORBES: Backpackers meet bottom line