this post was submitted on 18 May 2024
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Nominative Determinism

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Nominative determinism is the hypothesis that people tend to gravitate towards areas of work that fit their names. The term was first used in the magazine New Scientist in 1994, after the magazine's humorous "Feedback" column noted several studies carried out by researchers with remarkably fitting surnames. These included a book on polar explorations by Daniel Snowman and an article on urology by researchers named Splatt and Weedon. These and other examples led to light-hearted speculation that some sort of psychological effect was at work.

This is a community for posting real-world examples of names that by coincidence are funny in context. A link to the article or site is preferable, as well as a screenshot of the funny name if it's not in the headline. Try not to repost, and keep it fun!

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[–] Fosheze@lemmy.world 20 points 1 year ago (2 children)

The best nomative determinism I've ever personally seen is a guy I knew named John Data who worked at IBM back in the day. Can you imagine calling someone out to work on your compoter system and the guy who shows up is literally called Mr. Data.

[–] Bashnagdul@lemmy.world 14 points 1 year ago (1 children)

I've known a network engineer named wan-lan as his last name. An undertaker named cerial Mort. And a plastic surgeon named doctor tits

[–] pacmondo@sh.itjust.works 10 points 1 year ago (2 children)

I believed you until Dr. Tits

[–] kogasa@programming.dev 2 points 1 year ago

"Tits Group" is a well known object in mathematics named after one Dr. Tits, but I admit plastic surgeon is another level

[–] teft@lemmy.world 9 points 1 year ago

the guy who shows up is literally called Mr. Data.

[–] OlinOfTheHillPeople@lemmy.world 13 points 1 year ago (1 children)

Alt text: For a long time, people thought maybe Usain Bolt was the one for running, until the 2090s and the incredible dominance of Derek Legs.

[–] cook_pass_babtridge@feddit.uk 4 points 1 year ago

I won't believe in nominative determinism until Usain Bolt quits his athletics career to become a machinist.

[–] No_Eponym@lemmy.ca 6 points 1 year ago

Bold prediction that there will be mountain skiing in 2050.

[–] quindraco@lemm.ee 1 points 1 year ago

Alt text or no upvote.