Norcsalordie - offensive name or not?

Subject: Norcsalordie - offensive name or not?
From: GUEST,Rafflesbear
Date: 02 Oct 08 - 04:54 AM

to avoid thread drift in the Leicester folk club thread I have started this one and copied over the comments that lead to the drift - anybody else have an opinion?

"They must have the most offensive name for a group that I have ever seen or heard. Check out the origins in Aussie slang as that is where they got it from. They might be o k but not with a name like this."

"please tell!!
Have never heard of this word or it's origins!! "

"OK Mad Spaniel

"Norcs" is Aussie slang for a woman's breasts
"alordie" means Wow!

Put the two together and you get a comment you might make when a lady of comely proportions walks past

come on let's vote - who finds that the most offensive group name they have ever seen or heard ?

I vote no - and additionally that such a comment is nonsense"

"Rememeber when The Pogues first got airplay ? - Until Auntie Beeb discovered what Pogue Ma Hone meant ?"

Subject: RE: Norcsalordie - offensive name or not?
From: GUEST,cobra
Date: 02 Oct 08 - 07:50 AM

I feel your pain. But 10cc and Steely Dan to name but two are a bit orff IMO.

I am not insulted ny the Norcs name.

Subject: RE: Norcsalordie - offensive name or not?
From: GUEST,Howard Jones
Date: 02 Oct 08 - 08:03 AM

If it has to be explained why the name is offensive, how offensive can it be?

Subject: RE: Norcsalordie - offensive name or not?
From: Jayto
Date: 02 Oct 08 - 10:17 AM

I'm lost totally. Offended no lost yeah. So all is good in my book :)

Subject: RE: Norcsalordie - offensive name or not?
From: Wesley S
Date: 02 Oct 08 - 10:27 AM

"JC and the Waterwalkers" was found to be offensive to some people - and not to others. Same thing with "Pontius Pilate and his Nail-Driving 5" - Both Frat-Rock bands from Florida. Our trio is called "Matthew-Mark, Luke and Bubba". Our banjo player hates the name but I don't think he finds it offensive. But he's ordained and teaches theology at a university.

Subject: RE: Norcsalordie - offensive name or not?
From: Richard Bridge
Date: 02 Oct 08 - 10:36 AM

Well, let's see: -

My recent acoustic bands of various types - RogertheChorister
My electric band at school - The Pink Perves
My electric bands at university
(1) Wandering Hands and the Jailbait
(2) Shaft and the Rocks



Nah, I don't think so.

Subject: RE: Norcsalordie - offensive name or not?
From: GUEST,Hugh Jarsentitz
Date: 02 Oct 08 - 10:51 AM

People who find it offensive - Offend me!

Bloody busybodies who have f****d up our society good and proper with their Mcarthy type witch hunts and political correctness shit.

What about:

The Mothers
The Sex Pistols
The Buzzcocks
The Nipple Erectors
Herman's Hermits

All good bands.

Subject: RE: Norcsalordie - offensive name or not?
From: Sandra in Sydney
Date: 02 Oct 08 - 11:04 AM

"Norcs" is Aussie slang for a woman's breasts - not a slang word I've ever heard, tho if it's a new word, I obviously don't move in the right circles.

Google Australia gives references mainly to Naturally Occuring Retirement Communities!!, with one reference on messandnoise.com.au - a music site - where norcs & tittilating occur together, so that might be the meaning referred to in the group name.

"alordie" means Wow! another Aussie slang word Ive missed by being too old?

sandra (sticking to the old tried & true slang)

Subject: RE: Norcsalordie - offensive name or not?
From: M.Ted
Date: 02 Oct 08 - 11:04 AM

In the US, NORCS are Naturally Occurring Retirement Communities-check it out! NORCS Website

Subject: RE: Norcsalordie - offensive name or not?
From: John MacKenzie
Date: 02 Oct 08 - 11:08 AM

They're NORKS a lordie, it's about as likely as Lawksamussy, for Lord have mercy.


JM

Subject: RE: Norcsalordie - offensive name or not?
From: MartinRyan
Date: 02 Oct 08 - 11:46 AM

For "norcs" read "knockers", methinks.

Regards

p.s. I once knew a (well-endowed) female birdwatcher who used to refer to her binoculars as her .... you guessed it!

Subject: RE: Norcsalordie - offensive name or not?
From: John MacKenzie
Date: 02 Oct 08 - 11:57 AM

Where's Liz the Squeak when you need her?

JM

Subject: RE: Norcsalordie - offensive name or not?
From: GUEST,Neil D
Date: 02 Oct 08 - 12:32 PM

When "Barenaked Ladies" first started out the Toronto newspaper wouldn't advertise their shows. Now, nobody thinks twice about their name. I remember seeing an ad in a local entertainment guide for a show featuring "B**thole Surfers." I mean,come on, lets be a bit less hypersensitive please. Now on the other hand, "Ben Dover and the Screamers" ...

Subject: RE: Norcsalordie - offensive name or not?
From: PoppaGator
Date: 02 Oct 08 - 12:35 PM

Anyone old enough to remember The Fugs?

Subject: RE: Norcsalordie - offensive name or not?
From: Amos
Date: 02 Oct 08 - 12:41 PM

Old enough?? Hell, I was weaned on 'em!!!


Seriously, I would think we have enough concrete and substantive issues in the real world to be troubled by, and scarcely need to go running around trying to find something offensive in puerile band names, for crying out loud. Adults are supposed to act like adults, not prepubescent schoolchildren who turn scarlet if you mention a body part.


A

Subject: RE: Norcsalordie - offensive name or not?
From: Rapparee
Date: 02 Oct 08 - 12:47 PM

How about The Butthole Surfers?

Subject: RE: Norcsalordie - offensive name or not?
From: M.Ted
Date: 02 Oct 08 - 01:01 PM

You've been at Mudcat long enough that I should have to tell you this, Amos--the point of finding something offensive in band names is a way of avoiding concrete and substantive issues. Doesn't the fact that political, social and issues are classified as BS, while threads like this are not, tell you something?

Subject: RE: Norcsalordie - offensive name or not?
From: M.Ted
Date: 02 Oct 08 - 01:02 PM

Oh, wait, this is a BS thread. Nevermind.

Subject: RE: Norcsalordie - offensive name or not?
From: Emma B
Date: 02 Oct 08 - 01:03 PM

I did once have to explain the origin of the name of the Melons For Ecstasy ceilidh band to someone - decided against explaining Edward the 2nd and the Red Hot Pokers as well :)

Subject: RE: Norcsalordie - offensive name or not?
From: GUEST,Rafflesbear
Date: 02 Oct 08 - 01:29 PM

thanks for your comments which I take as generally positive and am relieved

the duo is young in folk terms - they chose the name before it all turned serious and have been concerned that it might offend. I saw no harm and persuaded them it was good to go with - hence I was taken aback to find the original comment in terms that strong

the boys are trying to break the mould in what they do but have no wish to alienate folkies as that would be a bad move. A cheeky name was part of the package - and until now it has been an 'in joke'

one good thing about the name is that if you put it in google 95% of the results refer to the band

thanks M.Ted but it looks like we've been relegated to BS status after all !

Subject: RE: Norcsalordie - offensive name or not?
From: Richard Bridge
Date: 02 Oct 08 - 01:36 PM

There of course were: -

Courtney Love's Hole

and

The Slits

Subject: RE: Norcsalordie - offensive name or not?
From: bobad
Date: 02 Oct 08 - 01:53 PM

Some wholesome Canadian bands:

Holy Fuck (radio announcers call them Holy F)

Tit Fuck Me Jesus

Shit La Merde

Shit From Hell

I think "Righteous Indignation" would make a good name for a band.

Subject: RE: Norcsalordie - offensive name or not?
From: GUEST,Rafflesbear
Date: 02 Oct 08 - 02:28 PM

Erm. I may be having second thoughts about this thread

Subject: RE: Norcsalordie - offensive name or not?
From: GUEST,Volgadon
Date: 02 Oct 08 - 04:32 PM

"Our trio is called "Matthew-Mark, Luke and Bubba". Our banjo player hates the name but I don't think he finds it offensive. But he's ordained and teaches theology at a university."

That's hilarious. The other two band names you mentioned were in bad taste, but this is fun. A bit Gary Larsenish...

Subject: RE: Norcsalordie - offensive name or not?
From: Wesley S
Date: 02 Oct 08 - 04:54 PM

Lots of folks have asked us why we're called "Matthew-Mark, Luke and Bubba" if we're a trio. That's because in the south "Matthew-Mark" is one name.

Subject: RE: Norcsalordie - offensive name or not?
From: Wesley S
Date: 02 Oct 08 - 05:00 PM

Oh - I forgot. We have another guy that joins us from time to time to make us a quartet. When he does we change our name to "Matthew-Mark, Luke, Bubba and Young".

Subject: RE: Norcsalordie - offensive name or not?
From: GUEST,Martin Norcsalordie
Date: 02 Oct 08 - 05:24 PM

Hi, have been watching this thread with some interest! First of all I'd like to say sorry for the length of this post.

   As Rafflesbear said, we picked the name when we started out in 2004 as something rude, yet obscure and tongue firmly planted in cheek as that reflected the style of music we played at the time. Times have changed and those songs have long since fallen by the wayside in favour of traditional folk songs performed with our upbeat twist.

   The name Norcsalordie has been both a blessing and yet a burden and I wonder how far we could realistically progress with such a name. Seeing some of the examples thrown up, i.e. Sex Pistols, Buzzcocks - very famous bands but aimed at a punk audience specifically to rebel against Auntie and the status quo. The other famous bands merely allude to salacious subject matter and I'm afraid to say I've not heard of the more explicit band names.

   So, after all the rambling, what's my point? Well, despite personal views, would the name Norcsalordie - specifically pertaining to big boobs - prove a hinderance when trying to gain acceptance with a wider (and possibly more conservative) audience such as the BBC's?

Subject: RE: Norcsalordie - offensive name or not?
From: John MacKenzie
Date: 02 Oct 08 - 05:32 PM

Pamela Anderson has the same problem.

XG

Subject: RE: Norcsalordie - offensive name or not?
From: Richard Bridge
Date: 02 Oct 08 - 05:33 PM

I very much doubt it.

Subject: RE: Norcsalordie - offensive name or not?
From: GUEST,Rafflesbear
Date: 02 Oct 08 - 06:20 PM

Hi Martin

thanks for contributing to the thread - your concern is obviously Norcsalordie as a name - asset or liability

as I see it your style challenges the folk establishment by giving a fresh take on established songs. A name like say 'Victoriana' would be a mistake

I think the boobs issue is over-inflated if you'll pardon the obvious double-entendre - so few people make the connection

the name is now primarily a band name and will become free standing as you develop your potential - don't worry about it

as I said before - put Norcsalordie into Google and see how many references you get to the band and how many references you get to boobs - nuff said

Rafflesbear

Subject: RE: Norcsalordie - offensive name or not?
From: Bill D
Date: 02 Oct 08 - 06:54 PM

It's hard to call something very offensive when it is barely comprehended outside of certain groups.... even other Aussies are confused.

But I just had a thought.... even though I'm not a religious guy, I remember certain Bible verses, and this one from Romans 14:14 popped into my head:

"I know, and am persuaded by the Lord Jesus, that there is nothing unclean of itself: but to him that esteemeth any thing to be unclean, to him it is unclean."

I also like the old saying "It all depends on whose Ox is being gored"

(well, *I* think those are relevant)

Subject: RE: Norcsalordie - offensive name or not?
From: Gurney
Date: 02 Oct 08 - 10:33 PM

Sandra, Norks (in some spelling) definately does mean breasts, but the only writted reference I've seen to it is in an Oz motor mag. Mike Harding came across it when he toured, and did a considerable intro mentioning it on the Beeb! My folks sent me a tape.
    He was very much against it, considering it a terrible name for something so nice! His words.

Subject: RE: Norcsalordie - offensive name or not?
From: M.Ted
Date: 02 Oct 08 - 11:13 PM

A very close acquaintance had an alt metal/punk band that used a scatological phrase as their name--

They signed with a major label, and the marketing department came back and said, we can't get radio airplay for your name, we can't book you in major venues because they won't put the name on the marquee, and we can't advertise in mainstream media.

My friends said, "Don't tell us what to do, we're artists and you're just promoters." The answer was, "Well, we'd rather promote someone whose name we can print." And that was it.

Subject: RE: Norcsalordie - offensive name or not?
From: Donuel
Date: 02 Oct 08 - 11:52 PM

Offensive Gestures: I get the finger and the arm jerk slap

but what the hell is this thing Palin does by touching her mouth with her finger and then pretend to write something in mid air while saying a certain person's name with distain???

what does it mean?

Subject: RE: Norcsalordie - offensive name or not?
From: Rapparee
Date: 03 Oct 08 - 07:42 AM

I wouldn't worry about it, Martin. Obscurity covers it in 99% of the world, and if anyone does ask, just wink at them or tell them that it's the name of the station in the Outback where you were raised.

Subject: RE: Norcsalordie - offensive name or not?
From: Greg B
Date: 03 Oct 08 - 08:27 AM

Anyoe besides meself enjoy the music of the 'Big Bad Ballocks?'

Subject: RE: Norcsalordie - offensive name or not?
From: Jack Campin
Date: 03 Oct 08 - 08:08 PM

I was HUGELY disappointed with Norcsalordie's website. I looked through the photo gallery and...

WHERE ARE ALL THE NORCS?????

Subject: RE: Norcsalordie - offensive name or not?
From: Big Al Whittle
Date: 04 Oct 08 - 05:16 AM

Wasn't Stefan Grossman with The Fugs at one point?

Subject: RE: Norcsalordie - offensive name or not?
From: John MacKenzie
Date: 04 Oct 08 - 05:22 AM

He's in Ullapool next weekend though.

XG

Subject: RE: Norcsalordie - offensive name or not?
From: Peace
Date: 04 Oct 08 - 05:45 AM

BUT, backwards it is

Eidrolascron

In my native language that means 'sheep shagger'. (I'm from Pluto.)

What friggin' arsehole searched in order to be offended by Norcsalordie? Keriste, listen to their music.

Subject: RE: Norcsalordie - offensive name or not?
From: Rapparee
Date: 04 Oct 08 - 08:42 AM

And in my native language (I'm from Illinois) it is the common term for a banker who has an affinity for throwing working people's money into the city's sewer treatment plant and then eating his way to it as well as having a wife who has a thing for the spin cycle on washing machines.

In Illinois it's a very complex term.

Subject: RE: Norcsalordie - offensive name or not?
From: Peace
Date: 04 Oct 08 - 09:09 AM

Extra rinse no doubt!

Subject: RE: Norcsalordie - offensive name or not?
From: John MacKenzie
Date: 04 Oct 08 - 10:22 AM

Not that uncommon, Rapaire.

XG

Subject: RE: Norcsalordie - offensive name or not?
From: McGrath of Harlow
Date: 04 Oct 08 - 07:05 PM

I suppose "Norcs" might well be a variant on "Knockers".

Subject: RE: Norcsalordie - offensive name or not?
From: Big Al Whittle
Date: 04 Oct 08 - 09:28 PM

Stefan was in Nottingham last night. he asked me onstage to sing The Glory of Love to his guitar playing. He said he didn't know the words. Now I come to think of it that's a bit implausible - him being a world expert on Big Bill Broonzy. Still it was a nice thought - I wish I'd taken a picture now.

Subject: RE: Norcsalordie - offensive name or not?
From: The Fooles Troupe
Date: 05 Oct 08 - 12:35 AM

""Norcs" is Aussie slang for a woman's breasts - not a slang word I've ever heard, tho if it's a new word, I obviously don't move in the right circles."

In the 60s it was 'Nork'.

"Melons For Ecstasy" - the 'Arabian' explanation?

:-)

Subject: RE: Norcsalordie - offensive name or not?
From: Amergin
Date: 05 Oct 08 - 03:55 AM

I think this is just a cheap way of self promotion.....

Subject: RE: Norcsalordie - offensive name or not?
From: Big Al Whittle
Date: 05 Oct 08 - 04:04 AM

oh well their stardom is assured now....

Subject: RE: Norcsalordie - offensive name or not?
From: freda underhill
Date: 05 Oct 08 - 05:35 AM

I've never heard this phrase in Australia.

Subject: RE: Norcsalordie - offensive name or not?
From: GUEST,Sapper on MENTOR doing a bit extra
Date: 05 Oct 08 - 06:53 AM

Bloody hell, the trouble people will go to just so they can be offended!!
Reminded me of the old spinster living on the seafront at a seaside resort who complained that she could often see naked men changing in the shelter opposite her house.
When the council duely moved the shelters half a mile down the beach they were upset to find the complaints from her continuing, so sent an official round to investigate.
When he pointed out that they were partially obscured by a kiosk shop and that they were quite a distance away, she responded, "Well, if you come into my attic, lean out of the window and use these binoculars............"