
A sentence containing all these words?
Is it even possible?
We're delighted to report that the word "boffin" has achieved the international recognition it so richly deserves, securing a spot on the Merriam-Webster "Top 10 Favorite British Words" list. And where better for Merriam-Webster to find an example of this magnificent term than on the pages of El Reg? The dictionary's website …
Productivity in IT facilities throughout the land HAS plummeted as knackered servers crash and are ignored, hell-desk phones have rung unanswered as gormless wannabe boffins whinge about the immense difficulty of crafting a pukka paragraph (that reads normally despite containing words like "Twee" regardless of the amount of jiggery-pokery you use!) Still, while we are doing it the Boss is knocking back plenty of Plonk to relieve the stress and the hell desk geeks discovered that his wine is a bit twee when they half inched a bit, thus proving Helldesk "techs" are just a bunch of prats.
BINGO!
(Note to confused yanks. Half inched = pinched.
Is there an accepted conversion rate for whinges? I know that us Brits are more prone to whinging, while Americans generally just complain. The difference is between muttering "This toast is burnt!" to your wife and shouting "HEY MANAGER! - MY TOAST!".
But I hadn't realised that a whinge could be quantified. Perhaps it could be a useful economic measure, like an inverse of happiness.
Indeed, if you shout it's not a whinge, it's a complaint. A mega-whinge is either a whinge that that has high temporal extent, or one that is just extremely annoying, despite being brief. A standardization committee is required to make this more precise: the words kilo-, mega-, giga- and tera-whinge should not be used frivolously!!
I'll get me coat
Is "pukka" really one from the by-gone years? It was certainly a big word when I was still legally allowed in playgrounds (as a child, I mean; I don't have any dodgy convictions).
I can't say I've every head "chunter" before though. And I'm not entirely sure that "twee" is ever used outside of being ironic...
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Yup, done that.
Went through a load of 'Proper English' words for the benefit of a racist.
He got pissed off about 'Denim' as well. (didn't have the heart to tell him that 'computer' is an occupation, his head was already crimson. Also didn't tell him that 'The Pub Landlord' is a parody, a piss take, a shining example of all that's dumb with the Proper English)
I've always felt the word Boffin has been used to give the same negative derogatory connotations as a word such as Geek. Its so often used as a subtle put down, to deride educated people like us.
So while the title Boffin (or a Geek) would apply to me and my friends, I would never think to use it, because there is an element of at best derision and at times, its used for outright unkind malevolent sarcasm. But then to find America wanting to use the word is hardly surprising.
Its like I said yesterday, about the insecure American way of social life, is for kids so often having to worry about seeking the acceptance of their fraternity peer group leaders and of the kids being endlessly racked with guilt and insecurity if they cannot get in and all the while, the peer group leaders loving their power and attention as they force new members to do humiliating things ... The point is the insecure fraternity peer group leaders are exactly the sort of people who seek to deride educated people like us and words like Boffin & Geek are used by them as part of their derision. Its like America has become one giant fraternity and anyone who is educated gets partly ostracised. Its no wonder America is falling behind in education with their society becoming so over run with fraternity like thinking. For example,
Out of 34 countries tested, "the U.S. ranked 14th in reading, 17th in science and 25th in math." Meanwhile the top 3 countries were China, Singapore and Hong Kong in 3rd place. Also whilst China's political system is different to the US, its hard to ignore how many scientifically minded people are high up in its government. e.g.
http://singularityhub.com/2011/05/17/eight-out-of-chinas-top-nine-government-officials-are-scientists/
America needs to be encouraging not disparaging to educated people, to help encourage their next generation to help their country compete in worldwide markets. The way its going, they will leave America for a better life in other countries and the UK is going the same way. In the UK our own arrogant fraternity style peer group leaders in our society conveniently forget the UK's wealth was in many ways vastly built up on the successes of the Industrial Revolution created by previous generations of us Geeks and Boffins. If they want to repeat that, they need to be encouraging not disparaging or we will take our knowledge to other countries who do respect and reward what we can do for them.
Dear Mr Dogged, you're just identified yourself as the kind of person who seeks to victimise people (just like these insecure people I mentioned in my previous post) but you forget, knowledge is power, so the more you say, the more we learn, like your derogatory words such as "whining" and seeking to protray me as weak and thin "skinned" which is just identifying yourself more clearly as a troll.
The irony is, portraying someone as weak, is a sign of a weak person seeking to put others down, to make themselves feel stronger and more powerful, thereby highlighting their inner weakness. But then I'm a boffin, so its to be expected that I would see such things, because us boffins think deeply about such subjects, such as psychology. Also I'm not going to play your game, but I am surprised you didn't end up by at least calling me a Geek or a Boffin ... I've been called it many times and it doesn't bother me, but I do recognise the insecure thinking hidden behind why some people seek to put others down to make themselves feel bigger and better ... That's a clear sign of insecurity in them, not strength and everyone being treated like that (if they don't already know), will learn from your example, which clearly shows its you and not them, who are really at fault, thereby invalidating your words as thinly veiled derogatory manipulations. By the way, I would like to politely thank you for your lesson. ;)
But then you can see from my previous post that I can see through the put down bullshit. But that's the wonder of the Internet. It acts like a Petri dish to watch your kind, as us Boffins and Geeks find the most effective mind bleach to pour over the poor trolls. Usually the most effective means is simply denying them more attention, because they want attention. Ah didums, want some attention. ;)
So anyway I really don't care what you have to say in reply to this post (after all, we wouldn't want to give you more attention now would we ;) … but don't forget, knowledge is power. Have a nice day and thank you for your invaluable lesson in the true nature of trolling. :)
Signed, very politely, one of the "boffins" ;)
p.s. it works best if you read my post in the polite style and tone of V for Vendetta. ;)
Your very well practiced nonchalance, after seeking to put others down, is simple a way to pretend nothing can get back at you, no matter what you think you can do to others.
p.s. On behalf of Boffins everywhere, I would like to thank you once again for your continuing invaluable lesson in helping to see thought the true nature of trolls. :)
Your sacrifice for the betterment of the world is most appreciated. ;)
I'm a comms specialist. I deal in low level protocol transmission over RF. I don't much give a shit what you do or how clever you think you are, but take some information on board here.
People don't look down on boffins, geeks or any other self-proclaimed subgroup. They look down on losers. And whining about your subgroup being badly treated is the single best way to get yourself identified as a loser.
I don't consider myself a geek, nerd or boffin. I'm me. Anyone who doesn't like can piss off.
Your erudition fails to impress, by the way. Poor wickle you.
Remember what site you're on. Using cleverly written text to try and portray a higher level of intellect is, well, transparent.
"The lady doth protest too much, methinks."
By defending yourself so much, you're just opening yourself up to more abuse. I'm not having a go, just trying to help. If you think people are trolling, why rise to it?
Your original post just looked like the article hit a nerve, and you let hundereds of techies, scientists and engineers know that. I doubt that anyone on here hasn't been called a geek or boffin at some point!
And for my seconds quote:
"Chill Winstone!"
i think you mean mathematics.
mathS for short, if you must.
maybe reduced attention spa i par o th proble :-
Boffin, as has been discussed at length here, is not a pejorative term at all. Say boffin and most will have a mental image of, say Einstein, Barnes-Wallace, Heaviside, or even good old Blumlein. except for the sun reading classes who will possibly see Heinz Wolff (if an accent can be seen[ and lets face it if any accent could be seen, his must be one of the more visible]) pretty illustrious company.
Oh for goodness' sake, get over yourself.
"Boffin" is a neutral word which is only derogatory if the person using it intends it to be so. The fact that the citation used is from this organ (where writers and readership delight in the progress of science) tells me that the compiler responsible for producing the list, in his or her professional opinion as a linguist (or whichever variety of boffin they may be) considers the reason for "boffin" being a favoured British word for Americans to be its use in the positive sense.
Only one hypersensitivised through years of mainstream tabloid pejorative use of the word would take offence at ANY utterance of it, regardless of context or intent.
Keep at it dear Reg; thanks to you the world knows the real meaning of the word. Down with the Sun/Daily Mail/Express flat-earthers and their denunciation of science.
Boffinry works, bitches!
"So while the title Boffin (or a Geek) would apply to me and my friends, I would never think to use it, because there is an element of at best derision and at times, its used for outright unkind malevolent sarcasm. "
Geek isn't, as described here:
http://catb.org/~esr/jargon/html/G/geek.html
Which says (among other things):
"A person who has chosen concentration rather than conformity; one who pursues skill (especially technical skill) and imagination, not mainstream social acceptance."
and
"Correspondingly, there are now ‘geek pride’ festivals (the implied reference to ‘gay pride’ is not accidental)."
I haven't felt that geek was a derogatory term since the 90s. It's a term that suggests a certain level of intelligence and understanding of a subject that most of the world finds unfathomable. It's a title I proudly wear.
Boffin, likewise, denotes a person who is very intelligent and has knowledge far beyond that of mear mortals. If it's ever used in a derogatory sense then you should be laughing at the gormless prats with the audacity to misuse such an honorable term is such a way rather than feeling derided by them.
Just my two cents from a Merkin point of view.
Actually, the numbers you give are more a result of the welfare state than anything else. Most "students" see little point in struggling to learn or better themselves when they are planning on getting a gubmint check for the rest of their lives.
Until the merikans reverse their handout mentality, those scores will continue to plummet. Even requiring a diploma or GED for things like social assistance (or even getting a drivers license) would dramatically change the educational landscape.
it would make things worse
wise up! ffs
merka is far and away the shittest place in the first world (we are having a meeting, you are being moved to a group more inline with your skills... as soon as we can find one)
And the reason for this is your ridiculous adherance to out dated uber con 'I'm alright jack - fuck you' ideology.
Sadly the freefalling standards in you education system over the last 50 years mean that now you are as a nation to stupid to appreciate the link between the policies that underpin your way of life and how shite that way of life is.
You can thank your lucky stars that they haven't started with the Scottish words of that ilk (similar to elk, but generally worn "inside" the kilt).
A selection:
Plook
Bampot
Bauchle
Teuchter
Nyaff
Muckle
Although sadly, none with an IT bent....(can you say that in public these days??)
Hoots mon, and get it right up ye!
Indeed. I once found a list of such words/phrases (for a friend to use in a play), and it seemed like fully half of them were synonyms for 'idiot'. As in, for calling other people idiot. Teuchter is a very nice one - sort of means 'farmer' or 'yokel', right?
'Numpty' is pretty good, too. 'Bauchle' I've never heard. Although I'm reminded of my father's mother, who I swear would make up such words : "Oh look at that thing birling away on the roof!" (spinning rapidly?).
Oh, and especially good is "pochle" - meaning stuff you can legitimately steal, such as from the stationary cupboard at work.
commonly used with the word "tatty" as in: "oh dear you are a tatty bauchle, youve split the milk again"
yes, its another word for idiot!!
and yes birling is spinning rapidly. it can also be used as the name for a whirlygig.
Teuchter is usually reserved for those Scottish folk north of Perth. The ones that like sheep too much.....
I think you'll find that they are spelling it either wrongly or (rather better here IMHO) incorrectly.
To have them "spelling it wrong" would require Merriam-Webster to go the extra mile and recognise Estuary English. Since it would appear that they've only just managed to get their heads around plain old English, I do not hold out too much hope for you there.
Now, don't get me wrong, but I think you're maligning Merriam-Webster, which is (IMO) the best English dictionary available free online. For example, you should be able to find their entry for 'wrong (adverb)' here:
http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/wrong
...unless something goes wrong, of course.
Whilst no Boffin, and not Gormless but possibly a Prat, it pleases me, whilst I sip on a glass of Plonk, that our Merkin colleagues don't just Chunter along, allowing their language to become Knackered or Whinged about by over reliance on the increasingly Twee aspects of the same by exerting, through minimal Jiggery-pokery of their language reference, they ensure some degree of coherence with the Pukka English language.
There. Time for a sleep, now.
Many glossaries and thesauri include examples taken from real world writings. The idea is to give the reader a better idea of how the selected word is used in context. So as far as realisic usage is concerned an "IT blog" is just as useful a source of quotes as anything else (provided the author uses the word correctly.) The quotations I've seen have all been taken from books and newspapers, including the online variant.
Also, El Reg tends to have a more colo(u)rful writing style that makes it more relevant to this type of list.
Basically, a corpus is a big sample of spoken and written English (or any other language you prefer). It allows dictionary makers to look up words, and see how they're used in real life. Many dictionaries and institutions have their own corpuses. For example, here's the British National Corpus's entries for the word "boffin".
http://corpus.byu.edu/bnc/x3.asp?xx=1&w11=boffin&r=
Also a rather amusing song by The Lewis Duckworth Method:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oreIJPk65Iw
It was jiggery pokery, trickery, chokery,
how did he open me up,
Robbery, muggery,
Aussie skull-duggery,
Out for a buggering duck,
What a delivery,
I might as well have been,
holding a concert bassoon,
Jiggery Pokery who was this nobody
making me look a buffoon
but in common use in our family and in this area of England I have always understood the word chunter to mean "to grumble under one's breath", rather than to denote movement in some way, although I suspect that - like grumble - it could be used expressively: as in, "the overloaded train grumbled up the long hill to the summit"
No, that's not correct. Spanners was nearer the truth. Most English speakers in England and Wales (also our antipodean brethren) do not pronounce an 'r' sound before a consonant. Pronouncing the 'r' in 'farm' makes you sound like a farmer, no?
But this phenenomenon is well-documented, uncontentious, and has no IT angle that I can think of.
...although I've already heard it used over here for a number of years, usually by pop music critics describing one band or another whose style recalls "twee '60s sunshine pop".
I've also always rather liked "knackered", although I'm surprised to see that "wanker" and/or "tosser" haven't made the list, especially as "wanker" has also been popular over here for a while; I'd have definitely taken "wanker" or "tosser" over "chunter" (wha...?).
...and, where's "chuffed"? That's a great one, too...
...still isn't a topic for discussion in the mainstream media, so "wanker" wouldn't have been a good choice for Merriam-Webster's little PR exercise.
It is, of course, in the dictionary:
http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/wanker
Bootnote: Early episodes of 'Mork and Mindy' (written, I guess, before they tried to flog the series abroad) featured Mindy's landlord and landlady - Mr and Mrs Wanker. They seem to have simply been written out of later episodes, which was hard luck on the actors, I guess.
Spawn of Satan icon because 'spawn' is something like 'semen'. Almost.