Ever know somebody whose name makes you do a double-take, like a family physician named Dr. Hurt? An Albany, N.Y. listener shares a game of more positive aptronyms. For example, what do you name your daughter if you want her to be a lawyer? How about “Sue”? This is part of a complete episode.
Transcript of “Positive Aptronyms”
You’re listening to A Way with Words. I’m Grant Barrett.
And I’m Martha Barnette.
When I was very young, my parents used to take me to a physician named, of all things, Dr. Hurt. Isn’t that terrible?
Yeah, yeah, yeah.
Actually, he didn’t. He was very, very nice. And maybe his name influenced his bedside manner. I don’t know. But it sure got me to thinking about the power of names and also about aptronyms.
Now, an aptronym, as you know, Grant, is a name that’s particularly suited to its owner.
Right.
And I was reminded of aptronyms recently because we got an email from Peter Cesario. Peter lives near Albany, New York, and he and his family came up with a great game that involves aptronyms.
Ooh, do share.
Well, picture this. You have a newborn baby, and you have dreams of that child entering a particular profession in adulthood. So what do you name the child to help him along?
For example, you want her to be a wedding planner. You’d name the child…
Mary.
Mary.
Good.
You want to do some more of these?
Oh, yes, please.
Okay. You have a newborn baby. You want him to be a gas station attendant when he grows up. You’d name him…
Pumper?
I don’t know.
Or maybe you want him to be a dentist. You’d name him…
Oh, driller?
Drill?
Filler.
Phil.
Phil.
Phil.
Phil.
Phil.
Oh, I see now. Still doesn’t make me any smarter.
How about this one?
Okay, shoot.
You want him or her to be an attorney. You could name her Sue or him.
I don’t know.
That’s a crazy face you’re making.
Will. You can name him Will.
I see. Very good.
Here, you’ll get this one. We can name him Sue. Ask Johnny Cash.
Here’s another one.
All right. If you want your son to be a radio announcer, you’d name him.
Spark, Sparky, Mike. I was pointing madly to the mic there. That’s the only reason you…
My brain’s not working too well, mama.
Okay, one more. How about if you want him to be a trainer or a fitness instructor? You’d name him…
Jim.
Good, good.
Okay, now you got it. Now that you have the hang of this, Grant, I’ll give you a few more later in the show.
Oh, very good.
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