What Happens When Names Are Words

Maybe, once upon a time, most names were words that have common meaning. Not anymore. Now, when we read common names or hear them, they’re just names. But what happens when names are words that we still use? Like Chicago or North. Or even Table (it happens – ask Trevor Noah , if you don’t believe me).

When Names Are Words

Honestly, I can think of at least 3 effects of having words be names: people get confused, the conversation gets comical, and the grammar sounds horribly wrong.

Confused People

Let’s take the name, “North.” What happens when someone gives North directions? With traditional Vaudeville style, after every “North,” North would say, “Yes” or “What?” Either that or someone asking for the name would be confused about why the other person is giving directions. 

A: Who was that just now?
B: North.
A: What?
B: North.
A: She’s from the North?
B: No, I think she’s from Atlanta.
A: Then, why’d you say – you know what, never mind. All I want is her name.
B: North. Actually, North West.
A: Atlanta isn’t northwest.
B: Well, who said it was?
A: You said it was.
B: I did not!
A: You certainly did. I asked for her name, and you said northwest.
B: That’s right. North West.
A: But Atlanta isn’t northwest.

*etcetera, etcetera, etcetera*

Don’t believe me? Ok. Then, tell me…

“Who’s on first?”

Need I say more? That iconic conversation is the ultimate example of how names that are also words can cause confusion. Poor Costello never did find out who was on the team.

Comical Conversations

My first thought with comedy and names that are words is the old joke about naming a dog Stay:

“Come here, Stay! Come here, Stay!”

Poor, confused puppy.

That said, the same aspects that make the conversation confusing can make it funny, and “Who’s on First” works for both. Which raises a question: are confusing conversations always funny? The answer: it depends (If you’ve been reading this blog a while, you should’ve expected that answer by now.)

Circular conversations or conversations that avoid getting to the point can be hilarious; however, they can also be extremely frustrating or enraging if they’re getting in the way of a goal or making someone feel mocked.

From what I can see, there are several aspects that must work together to make the exchange humorous: 

1. Puns, alliteration, and other figurative language that involves wordplay: these techniques are commonly associated with lighthearted banter and humor.
2. Dramatic irony and double meaning: The audience knows that the two people are speaking at cross-purposes, but the speakers do not. If the audience doesn’t grasp the dual meanings, the humor will be lost. If they do get it, they’ll feel smart, which is a positive mood and a good starting point for feeling amused.
3. The urgency of understanding: The audience doesn’t really care if Costello learns the names of the baseball players because that isn’t very important. If the knowledge was standing between the main character and the goal of the book, however, the conversation would be more annoying than funny.
4. The audience’s patience for wasting time: If someone is feeling irritable and impatient, he or she is going to have a really low tolerance for frivolous banter.

The first 3 factors are characteristics that the author (you) can control. The last one – not so much. The best we can do is focus on the first three aspects and hope for the best.

Wrong-sounding Grammar

I know. “Wrong-sounding” isn’t the best grammar. That said, using correct grammar with names that are words can sound very wrong.

For instance, what if one of the character’s names was “You” (or a word that sounds like “you”)?

A: You is coming, too.
B: Are. And, yes, I am, so let’s go.
A: We can’t. You isn’t here yet.
B: Aren’t. You aren’t.
A: You aren’t?
B: Yes. You aren’t.
A: But You is coming.
B: No. You are coming.
A: …
B: You know what? Never mind. Let’s go.
A: But You isn’t here yet!
B: Are you serious! What did I just say?!
A: You… aren’t here yet…?
B: Yes. No. Obviously, I am here.
A: Right. But You isn’t. [Sees the other person’s expression] … aren’t?

Oh, it could get bad. All the characteristics of the other two situations with added grammatical twitching.

Of course, there are plenty of other factors to consider when picking a character name, so naming a character (or child) after a word may not always be a high priority. On the other hand, if you’re looking for a way to add some comedy, a background character or nickname could very easily come into play.

Personally, I enjoy little moments like these. What about you? Do you have any favorites to share? (You know me – I’m always looking for more resources 😉 )

-Em