BS: Nicknames

Subject: BS: Nicknames
From: Richard Bridge
Date: 12 Aug 11 - 12:44 PM

Obviously some people here use pseudonyms and some don't.

But, by way of comparison, at Westminster, MPs give other MPs nicknames.

Margaret Thatcher was "Atilla the Hen"
Geoff Hoon was "Buff" (so making him a Buff-hoon, geddit?)
Harriet Harman was "Bambi" (big eyes, a bit helpless)
Ed Milliband is "Red"
Non-MP Nick Griffin got "Dick Tiffin" - teh "tiffin" referring to his waistline (or where it used to be)
Nicholas Soames was simply "Fatty" or sometimes "Wardrobe" after his very decorative ex girlfriend described sex with him as "a wardrobe falling on you with the key sticking out".   

I think we could sharpen up on this. There should be sufficient accuracy - but a bit of sting as stated in Sheridan's "School for Scandal" - - - "the malice in a good thing is the barb that makes it stick"

I have been called "M'unlearned Friend" - which is feeble and "Rumpole of the Volvo" which rolls off the tongue well and is quite witty.

Mather I call "Mither" - a Scottish word to describe complaining.
Martin Gibson I used to call "Gobson" - from the word "gob" to describe open or vocally overused mouth - eg "rentagob".
GFS or Guest from Sanity I dub "FFS" - an abbreviation for "Fugitive from Sanity" but also the acronym for "For fuck's sake".
Countess Richard, while she was that, could be "C*ntess"
Clinton Hammond could have been obscenely named for the Hammond Organ
There have been several coinages for Lizzie Cornish but these are now deemed politically incorrect.

Two less good (I don't like them because they are somewhat - or even "quite" in the American usage of "quite" inapt) might be:

"Till" from the German folkloric character Till Eulenspiegel;
"Opfer" - also from German.


Let's have a bit of mildly spiky fun.

Subject: RE: BS: Nicknames
From: GUEST,999
Date: 12 Aug 11 - 12:55 PM

Much as I like you, Richard, let me be the first to say that this thread is beneath you.

Subject: RE: BS: Nicknames
From: Jack the Sailor
Date: 12 Aug 11 - 01:06 PM

Its not beneath me!!

Canuckistanis

Stephen Harpoon
John Cretan

GNP (Grand No Party)
Ron (trillion Dollar gold coin) Paul
Rand (chip off the old blockhead) Paul
Eric Can't er
Michelle Blockman
Syrup Palin
John Carebear (Kerry)
John (grumpy old man) McCain
John (Orange Julius) Boner
Mench McConnoll

(The Donkey lovers)
Nancy Peeloosly
Joe Bidin' his time
Barack Houssein Obama

Subject: RE: BS: Nicknames
From: Jeri
Date: 12 Aug 11 - 01:19 PM

To me, the sneering names come off as frustration and inability to come up with any concrete argument. People will do it regardless, and some will think it's terribly clever, but that's how I see it. Snotty little kids on a playground.

Subject: RE: BS: Nicknames
From: Megan L
Date: 12 Aug 11 - 01:21 PM

Just another form of bullying

Subject: RE: BS: Nicknames
From: Musket
Date: 12 Aug 11 - 01:23 PM

Nicknames...

The only one I really chuckled at was a few years ago when Brian Cowan became the big boss in Dublin. I was there at the time and my mate said he was known as BIFFO.

(Big ignorant fucker from Offally.)

Nicknames can be useful, especially in diffusing strong opinions. When you give someone a nickname, you are no longer treating them with contempt but trying to give some light hearted relief to your hitherto opinion. And that helps the world go round.

Subject: RE: BS: Nicknames
From: Musket
Date: 12 Aug 11 - 01:29 PM

Nicknames do tend to point out perceived weaknesses, yes. But there is a huge difference between banter and bullying.

Sadly, there are a few people who don't understand this and therefore are quick to point out issues with it. I get involved in safeguarding of vulnerable adults and am dismayed to see nicknames having a legitimate entry in examples of abuse. Like everything, yes and no in context. The GROLIES (another one, work it out if you must know) seem to be allergic to bonding and banter, so human nature is demonised.

What a sad old world we live in...

Subject: RE: BS: Nicknames
From: Jeri
Date: 12 Aug 11 - 01:33 PM

I suppose one's opinion has a lot to do with whether one was called names as a child. It really does detract here because the taunting can come off as more important than opinions.

Subject: RE: BS: Nicknames
From: GUEST,number 6
Date: 12 Aug 11 - 01:46 PM

This is the reason I don't bother to participate in the Madcat anymore.

moronic and immature.

biLL

Subject: RE: BS: Nicknames
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 12 Aug 11 - 01:58 PM

Obviously some people here use pseudonyms and some don't.

Pseudonyms or monikers used here are created by the individuals who use them so it is free-will at work. It sounds like you're looking for pithy ways to get away with name-calling, like if it's clever enough maybe it will stick.

George W. Bush had a habit of giving people silly nicknames. Because he spoke them they tended to stick or be referenced in future mentions of the individuals in question. I can't imagine that they're all happy about that.

I think this must be something more popular across the pond.

SRS

Subject: RE: BS: Nicknames
From: Penny S.
Date: 12 Aug 11 - 02:03 PM

OK, Guardian readers only need a reading age of 14. But when I was learning about it, the tests didn't go higher. And GROLIES is sexist, as well as nasty.

Penny

Subject: RE: BS: Nicknames
From: GUEST,livelylass
Date: 12 Aug 11 - 02:07 PM

It's only actually sexist if you identify as being dim.

Subject: RE: BS: Nicknames
From: Smokey.
Date: 12 Aug 11 - 02:12 PM

Is a kilt an ethnic skirt?

Subject: RE: BS: Nicknames
From: GUEST,Eliza
Date: 12 Aug 11 - 02:15 PM

At school in the early fifties, nearly everyone had a nickname, and we liked it. I was skeletally thin, with bandy legs, and loved horseriding, so I was called The Galloping Hairpin (Pinny for short)Red-haired ones were always Ginger, those wearing glasses Specky etc. Honestly, we all laughed and didn't mind a bit. In fact, I was glad to have a nickname like everyone else!

Subject: RE: BS: Nicknames
From: Jack the Sailor
Date: 12 Aug 11 - 02:26 PM

Sorry, I didn't read this part.

>>>Mather I call "Mither" - a Scottish word to describe complaining.
Martin Gibson I used to call "Gobson" - from the word "gob" to describe open or vocally overused mouth - eg "rentagob".
GFS or Guest from Sanity I dub "FFS" - an abbreviation for "Fugitive from Sanity" but also the acronym for "For fuck's sake".
Countess Richard, while she was that, could be "C*ntess"
Clinton Hammond could have been obscenely named for the Hammond Organ
There have been several coinages for Lizzie Cornish but these are now deemed politically incorrect.<<<

I have used those types of nicknames in argument the past. The reason I don't anymore can be explained by just how effective they were in making my point. They only seem to turn up the volume and they do not help the debate. I think some prime examples of the uselessness of name calling are the recent threads on the Norway tragedy and the London riots and frankly about half of what GfS posts here. Show me one person who has had their minds changed by being "cleverly" called a fool and I might concede that you gentlemen have a point.

I think

Subject: RE: BS: Nicknames
From: catspaw49
Date: 12 Aug 11 - 03:47 PM

Now, now Bruce.....Let me help you out here. Of course this thread is beneath the OP just as the OP is often beneath others and trod upon by them. Remember he's a "Dick Bridge"..........if you can get your mind around that concept.........I think of it as traveling many Dick Miles and crossing Dick Bridge...........

But then again, I would.............btw, how long is a dick mile?


Spaw......also known as Spew

Subject: RE: BS: Nicknames
From: Smokey.
Date: 12 Aug 11 - 03:56 PM

"how long is a dick mile?"

5280 dick inches, or about a foot and a half.

Subject: RE: BS: Nicknames
From: catspaw49
Date: 12 Aug 11 - 03:59 PM

Thank ya' Smokester! A couple of them oughta' be about enough to smash most Concertinas and bust 'em up real good.


Spaw

Subject: RE: BS: Nicknames
From: gnu
Date: 12 Aug 11 - 04:03 PM

Spaw... I am aghast and agape. How dare you attempt to make light of such a serious travesty. Why, I oughta bugger you with no reach around, you, you... Spew you!

On the other hand, which I try to use sparsely for obvious reasons, I can understand the negativity of the use of some nicknames. Using same to degrade an intellectual opponent when none need be is a low blow and perhaps detrimental to one's own arguements. Comical to some, rude to others. Fair? No... depending on the opponent and the circumstances. I mean, sometimes ya just wanna smack the shit outta some... nevermind.

Yeah, I did. So what? Call me names... just don't call me late for dinner.

Subject: RE: BS: Nicknames
From: Smokey.
Date: 12 Aug 11 - 04:13 PM

The quickest way to bring down a concertina is to go for the bellows with a sharp knife. I have a similar tactic with bodhrans but that's a bit riskier as the player isn't quite as disabled by the instrument as a concertina-ist is. Surprise is the key factor to effective culling.

Subject: RE: BS: Nicknames
From: Richard Bridge
Date: 12 Aug 11 - 04:24 PM

Oh no, Dick Bridge was my father.

There is a difference between nicknaming someone, and "calling them names" (which I do think has a somewhat childish ring as an accusation), and again between that and "bullying" which is an exploitation of strength against weakness (much like capitalism).

Curiously, am I not right that the reaction that nicknaming is not PC seems mostly (that's mostly, not wholly) to come from the USA - or the Disunited States (well, at least in budget terms) rather than mini (no longer great) Britain?

The joyous verbal brutality (above, and elsewhere) seems to be more popular the US side of the Atlantic - I don't "get" that, mostly.

And now, can we return to some humorous nicknaming banter?

Subject: RE: BS: Nicknames
From: Richard Bridge
Date: 12 Aug 11 - 04:41 PM

Peter Mandelson "the Dark Lord"
Michael Howard "Count Dracula"
Ann Widdecombe "Doris Karloff"

Subject: RE: BS: Nicknames
From: GUEST,Eliza
Date: 12 Aug 11 - 05:05 PM

There are some very funny footballers' nicknames:-

QPR defender Fitz-Hall is called 'One-Size'

Brian McClair is called 'Choccy'

Then there's David 'Wash' Ngog

Man City player Musampa is called 'Chris'

and there's Gilles 'Bob' de Bilda!!

Subject: RE: BS: Nicknames
From: GUEST,Jon
Date: 12 Aug 11 - 05:09 PM

In rugby, there was (Martin) "Chariots" Offiah

Subject: RE: BS: Nicknames
From: Jeri
Date: 12 Aug 11 - 05:26 PM

Generally, people can tell the difference between a nickname given out of fondness or humor and one given out of contempt. In a forum such as this, it's perceptions that count and not what you pretend to or honestly mean.

It's not about PC. If you call someone a nickname without respect or humor or fondness that people can perceive, you'll look mean, frustrated, and just plain unpleasant.

Subject: RE: BS: Nicknames
From: GUEST,Eliza
Date: 12 Aug 11 - 05:47 PM

You're right Jeri. One can usually tell when the intention is to hurt or bully. I could have cried my eyes out at being called The Galloping Hairpin because of my terribly thin and ricketty legs (I was rather malnourished as a child) but I knew nobody meant anything nasty, and because I laughed, it all passed off well. On my part, I didn't intend to upset my ginger-haired friend, and we all called her Ginger quite happily. But later at school, one boy (who really WAS a bully) called me the Belsen Horror, and that did hurt. He was quickly put in his place though, thankfully!

Subject: RE: BS: Nicknames
From: gnu
Date: 12 Aug 11 - 06:25 PM

Yup. That's what I said. So, I agree.

No, no, no, don't thank me for bringing up the obvious. I'd rather you all thanked, without acknowledging their contributions to self exposure, the many trolls and rude assholes who have displayed their ineptitudes herein over the years, thereby exposing their true nature, seemingly oblivious as to having done so, laying themselves on public display for all to read.

And, no, I do not include the OP. He was just havin a laff. PI yes, but I doubt he meant any real harm, even if it was a bit personal. I should think an apology and a half a Hail Maury should make amends. Personally, I don't really give a shit for my own reasons. Not that anyone cares about my reasons or opinions. I am just typing into the internut.

Subject: RE: BS: Nicknames
From: Bill D
Date: 12 Aug 11 - 06:32 PM

It is usually obvious in person when a nickname is just friendly banter and when it is designed to ridicule. In print and on the internet it is not so obvious... and MOST names for political figures and others whom you don't know personally are meant to ridicule.

I think, after 10-15 years of this forum, I see nicknames used by UK members more often and with sharper intent.

I personally tend to avoid them unless it is clear how I mean them.

Subject: RE: BS: Nicknames
From: GUEST,leeneia
Date: 12 Aug 11 - 10:29 PM

I wish to have the nickname "Empress of the Universe."

Subject: RE: BS: Nicknames
From: Jack the Sailor
Date: 12 Aug 11 - 11:16 PM

I remember an English person disparaging my sailorness on this forum once, he continued even after it was pointed out that the name is a Nom de Plume.

I must be a reflex, I guess.

Subject: RE: BS: Nicknames
From: Bill D
Date: 12 Aug 11 - 11:19 PM

Um... leenia, all my friends know *I* have expected to be called Emperor of the Universe for many years now.... which half do YOU want?

Subject: RE: BS: Nicknames
From: Sandra in Sydney
Date: 13 Aug 11 - 12:37 AM

Nicknames. The Australian tradition

a few explanations -
Indooroopilly, a town near Toowong.
Cloudland a very famous dance hall

but the world changes The great nickname drain in Australian sport

ps Afghanistan refers to the least famous of the Waugh brothers, the lost Waugh

Subject: RE: BS: Nicknames
From: Dave Hanson
Date: 13 Aug 11 - 04:40 AM

MP Eric Pickles is fast becoming ' Mr Creosote ' I fully expect him to explode by Christmas.

Dave H

Subject: RE: BS: Nicknames
From: GUEST,Eliza
Date: 13 Aug 11 - 07:31 AM

LOL Dave, "Just one more 'waffer' thin mint monsieur?"

Subject: RE: BS: Nicknames
From: Richard Bridge
Date: 13 Aug 11 - 07:48 AM

He reminds me of the Soltarans in the old Dr Who, and he shares their toxic unpleasantness.

Subject: RE: BS: Nicknames
From: GUEST,leeneia
Date: 13 Aug 11 - 09:28 AM

Sorry, Bill D. I didn't know.

I can be Empress of the Cosmos. You keep on as Emperor of the Universe.