What's going on?

[+Snoogans]

The etymology of the word in question is puritanical. The powers that be in those fun times would punish people in a public shaming ritual that sometimes involved stocks or other restraint measures so the public could jeer at them. The label that they put on the offenders was "For Unlawful Carnal Knowledge," but it was often shortened to an acronym. I chuckle at the puritanical revulsion to that word that still lingers today.

 

Two sources that refute this:

 

Source 1

 

Source 2

 

Wow! Thank you for that correction. B)

 

I think that second source would be great to use in a future puzzle cache. The possibilities are endless with that one.

[+giddeanx]

And what's up with that anyways? Isn't it Pony? Is Ponie a Canadian thing?

Pony was already taken.

[4wheelin_fool]

What's going on?

 

Forgettable usernames commonly kicked around here?

[4wheelin_fool]

Not that I'm advocating the useful search including wildcards in this particular case for forum people to be the Geocaching Police, but in general for a more useful find another player function.

 

Like finding your possible relatives?

[+NYPaddleCacher]

I have to say, I do kind of wish we could "report" or "flag" log entries...kind of like reporting a post in the forums. With logs it could be for inappropriate language, spoilers or just duplicate logs. There are so many COs that don't bother deleting logs and it annoys me to see that stuff go unchecked.

You can "report" most of these problems by emailing the owner (or taking them aside at an event cache to educate them on their ability to delete logs, spoiler photos, etc.).

 

Geocaching HQ only has time to deal with Terms of Use violations, like this user's account name.

 

I would expect that, once Geocaching HQ reaches an understanding with the user about a more appropriate account name, any deleted logs could either be restored or re-logged.

 

Does a CO have the right to delete a legitimate found it log just because the user name is offensive and if so who defines offensive, I could see this being severely abused.

 

It certainly could. There are probably some that it's funny to use a creative spelling of a word that would be considered profanity. On the other hand, there may be perfectly valid user names or places that *sound like* profanity but are not intended to be. For example, I have a cousin whose last name is Cox.

[+Snoogans]

Not that I'm advocating the useful search including wildcards in this particular case for forum people to be the Geocaching Police, but in general for a more useful find another player function.

 

Like finding your possible relatives?

Kung's brother?

[+tozainamboku]

... so the game of geocaching becomes a battle between those who log from their armchair based on a calculation of whether the cache owner will notice owner's knickers get twisted, and those who delete logs based on a calculation of whether the logger will notice logger's knickers get twisted.

 

=The etymology of the word in question is puritanical.

 

Now you go dropping the p-word

[4wheelin_fool]

Not that I'm advocating the useful search including wildcards in this particular case for forum people to be the Geocaching Police, but in general for a more useful find another player function.

 

Like finding your possible relatives?

Kung's brother?

 

Don't think so. There are quite a few, but most of them are spelled "Yuck Fou".

[+Chrysalides]

Personally, I don't get people's reactions to certain words that aren't hate speech. They are just words.

Some pick them specifically to offend and outrage others. Of course, it's up to the others whether they want to be offended. The line between hate speech and offensive language is a fine one and the emotional content of words change over time. Until the NSA perfects their mind reading machine, we can only guess at the intent of the person saying those words.

 

And my contribution to stay on topic : the username that suggests acts of procreation with small horses don't offend me, but in the unlikely event that a child would ask me what it means, it would make me a little uncomfortable, but that's easily handled - change the subject quickly Anything that I find really inappropriate will be reported to Groundspeak and then forgotten.

Edited June 13, 2014 by Chrysalides

[+ras_oscar]

One major challenge to the idea of GS screening names for offensiveness is that many terms are regional. While I am not British, I'm pretty sure that referring to someone as a wanker would be frowned on that side of the pond. Here in the states, not so much. And there is a common english term for a female native american that is actual a vulgar Iriquois word for the female genitalia.

[etarace]

One major challenge to the idea of GS screening names for offensiveness is that many terms are regional. While I am not British, I'm pretty sure that referring to someone as a wanker would be frowned on that side of the pond. Here in the states, not so much. And there is a common english term for a female native american that is actual a vulgar Iriquois word for the female genitalia.

That is a myth propagated by Oprah Winfrey. Even if, in one language it means "lady parts" that phrase still has the word "lady" in it.

The word "squaw" itself is not offensive, but has been used in or taken in a derogatory way; so it has come to take on the denotation of the connotation.

 

If a British man skins a fag he faces the consequences of stained fingers, yellow teeth, premature wrinkles. In America it's a hate crime.

 

I think the caches mentioned by 4wheelin fool were placed by adults having some juvenile fun with the fact that they can "get away with" saying a swear in a cache name. Yes, even the ones in languages other than English. I think a lot of people finding it have a juvenile giggle over having found such caches.

 

The cache owners can say "but it's really a creek" or "it's really a village" ... What can this new cacher say? "But I really abuse ponies"?

[team tisri]

The correct thing would be to contact Groundspeak and have them change the username if its a valid find log. Deleting does not solve the problem and would only annoy them, plus they did find it. If you are not very nice about it, someone with a name like that may likely turn into a cache theif rather quickly.

 

Like they would notice in a Bajillion years that their log was deleted. I think I'll start deleting all 2 word or less find logs posted to my caches (not that I get very many), and I'll bet I get away with it 100% of the time. Pretty much they think they're playing Angry Birds or something, and have no clue there's an established in 2000 website associated with it, or players just like them placed it there for them to find.

 

... so the game of geocaching becomes a battle between those who log from their armchair based on a calculation of whether the cache owner will notice, and those who delete logs based on a calculation of whether the logger will notice.

 

Oh c'mon, I was obviously kidding. These are intro app users, and very likely teenagers. The level of cluelessness is astounding, with people just "downloading another app on their phone". It used to be people who tried Geocaching had some idea of it's basic premise. I'm becoming more and more anti-intro app every day.

 

I know, I forgot the smiley

 

Just another problem with unvalidated members. I'd love to know what (and indeed whether) Groundspeak are thinking where that's concerned. It seems a game that expects a degree of longevity where caches are concerned is quite willing to shift to the lowest common denominator where people finding those caches are concerned. If cache hiders are expected to put a little bit of effort into their hides it doesn't seem so unreasonable to expect finders to demonstrate an attention span more than a few seconds before being told where they are.

[team tisri]

While I am not British, I'm pretty sure that referring to someone as a wanker would be frowned on that side of the pond. Here in the states, not so much.

 

You might find a bunch of mates using it to insult each other light-heartedly, but it would be a brave man who used it to describe the motorcycle dude with tattoos within his earshot.

[etarace]

If cache hiders are expected to put a little bit of effort into their hides it doesn't seem so unreasonable to expect finders to demonstrate an attention span more than a few seconds before being told where they are.

This is true. I have been planning a multi / field puzzle cache for about six months. I visit the areas each season to ensure it will be do-able year round. I'm making extra sure my coordinates are on, and that the puzzle is accurate. I think it will be really cool and show people some neat spots they would not have otherwise seen.

But if some idiots who don't even validate their email addresses can come along and steal one stage and leave the final uncovered or ravaged... it really makes me hesitate to put so much work out to be destroyed.

I know, that's another topic... but it all comes back to the attitude of "Those People" with disposable accounts and disposable regard for the game.

[+Don_J]

In case no one has noticed, the name has been changed and the account validated. poniesandrainbows

[+Roman!]

In case no one has noticed, the name has been changed and the account validated. poniesandrainbows

 

Yah, I just got the email from HQ, good choice of names

[+Chrysalides]

In case no one has noticed, the name has been changed and the account validated. poniesandrainbows

 

Yah, I just got the email from HQ, good choice of names

But it's an anagram for "Braised Onion Spawn". I find that offensive! (not...)

 

Strange choice of name considering the original.

[+Ambrosia]

In case no one has noticed, the name has been changed and the account validated. poniesandrainbows

 

Yah, I just got the email from HQ, good choice of names

But it's an anagram for "Braised Onion Spawn". I find that offensive! (not...)

 

Strange choice of name considering the original.

Mmmm, now I'm hungry.

[+qtbluemoon]

In case no one has noticed, the name has been changed and the account validated. poniesandrainbows

 

Yah, I just got the email from HQ, good choice of names

But it's an anagram for "Braised Onion Spawn". I find that offensive! (not...)

 

Strange choice of name considering the original.

Mmmm, now I'm hungry.

I'm just not sure what to make of this post.

[+Ambrosia]

In case no one has noticed, the name has been changed and the account validated. poniesandrainbows

 

Yah, I just got the email from HQ, good choice of names

But it's an anagram for "Braised Onion Spawn". I find that offensive! (not...)

 

Strange choice of name considering the original.

Mmmm, now I'm hungry.

I'm just not sure what to make of this post.

Nothin', just that braised onion spawn sounds kinda yummy. To a hungry person, anyhow.

[+Roman!]

In case no one has noticed, the name has been changed and the account validated. poniesandrainbows

 

Yah, I just got the email from HQ, good choice of names

But it's an anagram for "Braised Onion Spawn". I find that offensive! (not...)

 

Strange choice of name considering the original.

Mmmm, now I'm hungry.

I'm just not sure what to make of this post.

Nothin', just that braised onion spawn sounds kinda yummy. To a hungry person, anyhow.

 

I'm hungry too but I find cooked onions way to slimy, now raw onions on a hot dog, hamburger or Salisbury steak, mmmmmmm.

[+Ambrosia]

In case no one has noticed, the name has been changed and the account validated. poniesandrainbows

 

Yah, I just got the email from HQ, good choice of names

But it's an anagram for "Braised Onion Spawn". I find that offensive! (not...)

 

Strange choice of name considering the original.

Mmmm, now I'm hungry.

I'm just not sure what to make of this post.

Nothin', just that braised onion spawn sounds kinda yummy. To a hungry person, anyhow.

 

I'm hungry too but I find cooked onions way to slimy, now raw onions on a hot dog, hamburger or Salisbury steak, mmmmmmm.

We'd better quit before getting too off topic, because now I want to discuss the finer points of onions with you!

[Mr.Yuck]

In case no one has noticed, the name has been changed and the account validated. poniesandrainbows

 

Now we can only wonder if it was voluntary.

[+Roman!]

In case no one has noticed, the name has been changed and the account validated. poniesandrainbows

 

Now we can only wonder if it was voluntary.

 

I don't think it was voluntary.

[+tozainamboku]

Ok. From now one when I say "rainbows" in my posts, you all will know what I really meant.

[4wheelin_fool]

I'd rather block the odd legit username than allow one that suggests the illegal abuse of animals get through.

 

It's not necessarily illegal anyhow, at least not in NJ yet. They are now working on it, mostly because of this guy.

[+Don_J]

In case no one has noticed, the name has been changed and the account validated. poniesandrainbows

 

Now we can only wonder if it was voluntary.

 

I'm thinking that someone with a sense of humor at Groundspeak may have changed it.

[+Snoogans]

I'd rather block the odd legit username than allow one that suggests the illegal abuse of animals get through.

 

It's not necessarily illegal anyhow, at least not in NJ yet. They are now working on it, mostly because of this guy.

Wow.

 

I'm thinking they need to add a third definition for cowboy...

 

Cowboy

1. A cowboy is an animal herder who tends cattle on ranches in North America, traditionally on horseback, and often performs a multitude of other ranch-related tasks.

2. A player on the Dallas NFL football team.

3. A freaktard in NJ.

[+briansnat]

Yet another example as to why there should be NO WAY to see or log a cache unless one is a VERIFIED MEMBER.

 

Absolutely, I agree.

 

See cache sure. Not be able to see coordinates and log it, a big plus one to that.

Edited June 14, 2014 by briansnat

[+Chrysalides]

See cache sure. Not be able to see coordinates and log it, a big plus one to that.

Who needs to be able to see a cache to log it?

 

for ID = 1 to 5000000
   verify cache exists
   post FOUND IT log with "TFTC"

 

3+ million finds in a day, including archived caches. And you get to earn a "Banned member" badge as well.

[+niraD]

And you get to earn a "Banned member" badge as well.

"Priceless..."

[+popokiiti]

Has anyone reported the account name to Geocaching HQ via the Help Center? They usually take care of these issues quite quickly.

 

With the pace of new account creations, there is no screening applied by human eyes. And, an automated solution can prove frustrating, like if you're Ulf Uckinger from Sweden.

 

Good post but also hilarious!

 

There was a UK forum, that wouldn't let users from a certain town register with their address.

The place name was Scunthorpe.

 

(because it includes a slang term for a female part of the body)

I was born and grew up in the UK, and never thought of that in relation to this town. Never will I be able to look at it in the same way again!

[+.Flo.]

So I may or may not feel offended by the following American cachers who may or may not be aware of the meaning of their user names:

 

http://www.geocaching.com/profile/?guid=5e63fb3e-b813-483e-bb43-41a061960088

 

http://www.geocaching.com/profile/?guid=fe074a0f-3e16-42e3-91e7-4fa27125d7db

 

http://www.geocaching.com/profile/?guid=bbfa90f9-b696-41fa-a000-36f968506a67

 

http://www.geocaching.com/profile/?guid=e759128f-cfb6-4b40-8709-20f253e6f07f

 

No, I don't feel offended! I actually feel sorry for the last guy, because, quite obviously, that is also his real name.

I hope you get my point!

[+Don_J]

Has anyone reported the account name to Geocaching HQ via the Help Center? They usually take care of these issues quite quickly.

 

With the pace of new account creations, there is no screening applied by human eyes. And, an automated solution can prove frustrating, like if you're Ulf Uckinger from Sweden.

 

Good post but also hilarious!

 

There was a UK forum, that wouldn't let users from a certain town register with their address.

The place name was Scunthorpe.

 

(because it includes a slang term for a female part of the body)

I was born and grew up in the UK, and never thought of that in relation to this town. Never will I be able to look at it in the same way again!

 

Wow. Thanks for the heads up. I'll be careful not to use the word "thorpe" in the company of British women.

[etarace]

So I may or may not feel offended by the following American cachers who may or may not be aware of the meaning of their user names:

 

http://www.geocaching.com/profile/?guid=5e63fb3e-b813-483e-bb43-41a061960088

 

http://www.geocaching.com/profile/?guid=fe074a0f-3e16-42e3-91e7-4fa27125d7db

 

http://www.geocaching.com/profile/?guid=bbfa90f9-b696-41fa-a000-36f968506a67

 

http://www.geocaching.com/profile/?guid=e759128f-cfb6-4b40-8709-20f253e6f07f

 

No, I don't feel offended! I actually feel sorry for the last guy, because, quite obviously, that is also his real name.

I hope you get my point!

 

I don't get your point, as it isn't really applicable to the poniesandrainbows guy. These are offensive-to-English-speaking cacher names are showing up on logs in primarily-English-speaking areas. None of the regenbogen cachers you mentioned have logged caches in primarily-German-speaking-areas.

I've pointed out previously that different languages and different cultures with the same language will have different slang and offensive terms. There could be a Zulu cache called "Ahole" at Dingiswayo's grave, honoring the leadership he brought to the young nation. That should not be offensive.

As a family friendly game, a parent wouldn't really want to hear his 7 year old say "hey Daddy, butt-rainbow found our cache today!"

[+Roman!]

So I may or may not feel offended by the following American cachers who may or may not be aware of the meaning of their user names:

 

http://www.geocaching.com/profile/?guid=5e63fb3e-b813-483e-bb43-41a061960088

 

http://www.geocaching.com/profile/?guid=fe074a0f-3e16-42e3-91e7-4fa27125d7db

 

http://www.geocaching.com/profile/?guid=bbfa90f9-b696-41fa-a000-36f968506a67

 

http://www.geocaching.com/profile/?guid=e759128f-cfb6-4b40-8709-20f253e6f07f

 

No, I don't feel offended! I actually feel sorry for the last guy, because, quite obviously, that is also his real name.

I hope you get my point!

 

I don't get your point, as it isn't really applicable to the poniesandrainbows guy. These are offensive-to-English-speaking cacher names are showing up on logs in primarily-English-speaking areas. None of the regenbogen cachers you mentioned have logged caches in primarily-German-speaking-areas.

I've pointed out previously that different languages and different cultures with the same language will have different slang and offensive terms. There could be a Zulu cache called "Ahole" at Dingiswayo's grave, honoring the leadership he brought to the young nation. That should not be offensive.

As a family friendly game, a parent wouldn't really want to hear his 7 year old say "hey Daddy, butt-rainbow found our cache today!"

 

Exactly and it's not to hard to figure out if someone is trying to be offensive or they have a genuine reason to pick a user name, the former should not be tolerated.

 

Obviously in this case it was offensive as GS changed the username.

Edited June 15, 2014 by Roman!

[+popokiiti]

Has anyone reported the account name to Geocaching HQ via the Help Center? They usually take care of these issues quite quickly.

 

With the pace of new account creations, there is no screening applied by human eyes. And, an automated solution can prove frustrating, like if you're Ulf Uckinger from Sweden.

 

Good post but also hilarious!

 

There was a UK forum, that wouldn't let users from a certain town register with their address.

The place name was Scunthorpe.

 

(because it includes a slang term for a female part of the body)

I was born and grew up in the UK, and never thought of that in relation to this town. Never will I be able to look at it in the same way again!

 

Wow. Thanks for the heads up. I'll be careful not to use the word "thorpe" in the company of British women.

You just did! Oh, the horror, the shock! Don't worry, I can hack it - I'm Canadian too.....

[+Harry Dolphin]

I have a coworker named P. Hocker (or something similar). Our e-mail address is First Initial Last name. Mine would be hdolphin@whatever.com. My coworker is phocker@whatever.com. My coworker takes a lot of ribbing about this (frequently from me...) One would have thought that the company would have had the sense to change that in my coworkers situation. pmhocker@whatever.com would have alleviated this problem. Oh, well.

[+Ma & Pa]

Many many year ago my sister went to the UK to visit relatives that we had never met before. One day she was watching a soccer game with her British aunt and cousins and she commented on one player's fanny. The room went silent and she got strange looks.

 

http://www.urbandictionary.com/define.php?term=Fanny

[Andronicus]

Has anyone reported the account name to Geocaching HQ via the Help Center? They usually take care of these issues quite quickly.

 

With the pace of new account creations, there is no screening applied by human eyes. And, an automated solution can prove frustrating, like if you're Ulf Uckinger from Sweden.

 

Good post but also hilarious!

 

There was a UK forum, that wouldn't let users from a certain town register with their address.

The place name was Scunthorpe.

 

(because it includes a slang term for a female part of the body)

I was born and grew up in the UK, and never thought of that in relation to this town. Never will I be able to look at it in the same way again!

 

Wow. Thanks for the heads up. I'll be careful not to use the word "thorpe" in the company of British women.

How does the Octothorp key relate to all of this (#)

[+ras_oscar]

OK, so now the question: Who at Groundspeak becomes the lucky volunteer that makes a scholarly study of rude terms throughout the world? I'd like to see that written up in a resume!!!

[+giddeanx]

OK, so now the question: Who at Groundspeak becomes the lucky volunteer that makes a scholarly study of rude terms throughout the world? I'd like to see that written up in a resume!!!

They don't have to. They just wait until someone complains, because we all know someone will complain.

[+Roman!]

OK, so now the question: Who at Groundspeak becomes the lucky volunteer that makes a scholarly study of rude terms throughout the world? I'd like to see that written up in a resume!!!

 

Don't they already have one? Try typing a word of your choice and posting it here.

 

If it's banned from the forums it should be banned from user names.

Edited June 18, 2014 by Roman!

[+tozainamboku]

If the mayor can say it on live TV, then I agree: "Big Rainbowing Deal".