Author Topic: More nominative determinism (Read 143576 times)

mercury · « **on:** 19 June, 2008, 06:55:53 pm »

1. I know someone whose hobby is standing at the edge of Heathrow Airport with a hand-held telescope, camera and notepad. He also goes to air shows and takes more plane pictures. What's his occupation? Visual air traffic controller at the top of the tower in the middle of Heathrow. Heh! How about that?

2. My Mum once got a letter from someone at the then Inland Revenue called Mrs Goldsacks.

3. Yesterday I was in Slough Library when I came across The Navy List, a book containing the names of all the ships and officers in the Royal Navy. In there was someone called Goodship.

Any more examples of people with nifty hobby/name/occupation associations?

Deano · « **Reply #1 on:** 19 June, 2008, 06:58:03 pm »

I'll forgive you if you don't believe me - but there used to be a desk sergeant at Newton Aycliffe police station called Sgt Bacon.

Maladict · « **Reply #2 on:** 19 June, 2008, 06:58:32 pm »

New Scientist's bag page column (forget its name) had a name for this:

Nominative Determinism.

Chris S · « **Reply #3 on:** 19 June, 2008, 06:59:01 pm »

I know a Sergeant Sargent

SteveC · « **Reply #4 on:** 19 June, 2008, 07:05:27 pm »

Woodwork teacher at school was Mr Glew.

When asked he did admit that his name might have slightly influenced his career choice, but he wasn't sure.

Wowbagger · « **Reply #5 on:** 19 June, 2008, 07:06:40 pm »

There's a police station in Pig Lane, Harlow (or so I understand).

PeteB99 · « **Reply #6 on:** 19 June, 2008, 07:10:38 pm »

There used to be a Major Major in the Army rowing club.

Fixedwheelnut · « **Reply #7 on:** 19 June, 2008, 07:11:08 pm »

Quote from: SteveC on 19 June, 2008, 07:05:27 pm

Woodwork teacher at school was Mr Glew.

When asked he did admit that his name might have slightly influenced his career choice, but he wasn't sure.

atleast he stuck with it

hat, coat, door

pcolbeck · « **Reply #8 on:** 19 June, 2008, 07:11:29 pm »

A guy I went to school with got a summer job helping with the artificial insemination of cows. His name was Richard Bull.

pdm · « **Reply #9 on:** 19 June, 2008, 07:17:50 pm »

Some among us may remember the summers of '75 and '76. It was hot and there were droughts... Thomson and Lille wreaked havoc in the Prudential Cup. Tarmac melted. Rail lines buckled.

I remember reading a piece in the Leeds local Rag about a woman advertising that she had received a letter from the Leeds water (and sewage) board to the effect that it had been noticed that she was flushing her toilet too many times a day and could she please be cognisant of the water shortage and try to moderate her toilet flush usage - the letter was signed by a Mr R Sole....

Andrij · « **Reply #10 on:** 19 June, 2008, 07:23:39 pm »

I know a man with the surname Bishop. He is currently a Deacon. Time will tell...

peliroja · « **Reply #11 on:** 19 June, 2008, 07:26:00 pm »

There is a Baroness Gardner of Parkes in the Lords. Not exactly on-topic, but funny nonetheless

hellymedic · « **Reply #12 on:** 19 June, 2008, 07:46:39 pm »

I went on a school trip to Kew Gardens and was shown round by Mrs Digweed.

Wowbagger · « **Reply #13 on:** 19 June, 2008, 07:49:14 pm »

I was amused that one of the German football team's coaches is called Herr Flick.

hellymedic · « **Reply #14 on:** 19 June, 2008, 07:54:16 pm »

(Deviating slightly) Local Builders' Merchant is Burnt Oak Timber...

Polar Bear · « **Reply #15 on:** 19 June, 2008, 07:59:42 pm »

Also deviating slightly: I know a pair of ossifers who live in Constable Road.

Quisling · « **Reply #16 on:** 19 June, 2008, 08:04:50 pm »

Quote from: pcolbeck on 19 June, 2008, 07:11:29 pm

A guy I went to school with got a summer job helping with the artificial insemination of cows. His name was Richard Bull.

Shame it wasn't Roger Cowes

Greenbank · « **Reply #17 on:** 19 June, 2008, 08:05:51 pm »

Quote from: peliroja on 19 June, 2008, 07:26:00 pm

There is a Baroness Gardner of Parkes in the Lords. Not exactly on-topic, but funny nonetheless

New (as in non-hereditary) peers get to pick the place name for their peerage. Baroness Gardener chose it.

IIRC a lifelong Arsenal fan chose to be Lord of Highbury.

FatBloke · « **Reply #18 on:** 19 June, 2008, 11:29:37 pm »

Allegedly, Dulux Paints employ a Matthew White.

Pete · « **Reply #19 on:** 20 June, 2008, 12:15:25 am »

I wish I could add that my former dentist was named Reg Payne. Alas, that would be a porkie, it wasn't quite his name, though it was quite close!

Greenbank · « **Reply #20 on:** 20 June, 2008, 12:18:14 am »

One of my brother's friends at university was a medical student with a surname of Cutting.

He was aiming to become a surgeon.

hellymedic · « **Reply #21 on:** 20 June, 2008, 01:30:05 am »

I was acquainted with an anaesthetist whose surname was Dye.
"I am Dr Dye and I will put you to sleep."...

Adrian · « **Reply #22 on:** 20 June, 2008, 07:47:07 am »

There is this bloke Philip Catt in the news. It might not count though because he changed his surname to match his obsession.

Basil · « **Reply #23 on:** 20 June, 2008, 07:58:13 am »

Quote from: Pete on 20 June, 2008, 12:15:25 am

I wish I could add that my former dentist was named Reg Payne. Alas, that would be a porkie, it wasn't quite his name, though it was quite close!

Where as, my dentist is called Mr. Payne.

Wowbagger · « **Reply #24 on:** 20 June, 2008, 08:18:23 am »

In Chelmsford, many moons ago, there was a gentleman named Valentine Card whose birthday was 14th Feb. He must be dead now - I think he was in his 60s when I was at school, when he was employed as a Sally Army officer.

Author Topic: More nominative determinism (Read 143576 times)

Maladict

Chris S

Pete