this post was submitted on 28 Apr 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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[–] Shadowedcross@lemmy.world 15 points 6 months ago (1 children)

Wonder how the amount of lawyers from Lawyersville compares to other places.

[–] Emperor 6 points 6 months ago

Or how many Lawyers. As it was named after an early settler, presumably most if the people there are either Lawyers or have Lawyer ancestors. Some of them will become lawyers.

[–] NounsAndWords@lemmy.world 13 points 6 months ago

He had no choice

[–] DaddleDew@lemmy.world 9 points 6 months ago (1 children)

When you do a half-assed job of lying on your resume and they believe you anyway

[–] XTL@sopuli.xyz 3 points 6 months ago* (last edited 6 months ago)

Actually have to wonder how much of their paperwork bounces or gets thrown away.

I know a similar real life one, but it wouldn't translate to English.