In science fiction, there seems to be two schools of thought when it comes to naming things, like spaceships, created by ‘aliens’. The first is to use almost-unpronounceable strings of vowels and, mainly, consonants. The other, better way is the way of Iain M. Banks who gives his names witty, mock-ironic names. For example:
- Nervous energy
- Gunboat diplomat
- Not invented here
- Arbitrary
- More on Wikipedia.
I was thinking about this a) because I’m reading Excession and b) day-dreaming about what to call my plane if (when) I get it. Fantasy planes are free, but sadly, real ones aren’t.
Warren Buffett called his first jet The Indefensible but then he bought NetJets. If it wasn’t tempting fate, in the true Banks spirit, I’d like to call mine Clean Air Turbulence. But ssh! Don’t tell my wife, I’ve promised to name it after her.
Related posts:
{ 1 comment… read it below or add one }
Yes! Banks’ ship names are great, aren’t they? My personal favourites are Killing Time and Ethics Gradient. His character names seem to fall into the first school of naming though, and require a second glance to make sure I’m pronouncing them right: Skaffen-Amtiskaw and Cheradenine Zakalwe are good examples from “Use of Weapons”.
Enjoy your plane dreams!