---
title: >
  Man-Driver
date: 2005-04-12 02:43
status: published
description: >
  It's always a bad idea to invent words (disclaimer: this doesn't include concatenation)


links:
  - url: http://getfirefox.com
    title: >
      f.k.a. Firebird, f.k.a. Phoenix
    rel: related
    type: text/html
  - url: http://linspire.com
    title: >
      f.k.a. Lindows
    rel: related
    type: text/html
  - url: http://mandriva.com
    title: >
      f.k.a. Mandrake
    rel: related
    type: text/html

---

<p>
Open Source software is usually good at changing its name – <a href="http://www.mozilla.org/projects/firefox/firefox-name-faq.html" title="Mozilla Firefox - Brand Name Frequently Asked Questions">Firefox got it right (the second time)</a> and <a href="http://www.linspire.com/lindows_news_pressreleases_archives.php?id=122" title="Lindows, Inc. Announces New Product Name: Linspire">Linspire's new name cleverly incorporates the word <q>inspire</q></a> because the <abbr title="Operating System">OS</abbr> is an inspiration to everyone.
</p>
<p>
OK, so I lied - they're generally crap at it. But how naff is <a href="http://www.mandriva.com/company/press/pr?n=/pr/corporate/2551" title="Mandrakesoft Announces Name Change! (They have to exclaim it 'cos it's Good News!™)"><q>Man-Driver</q></a>?! I know it's supposed to be pronounced <q>Man-<em>dree</em>ver</q>, but it looks like <q><em>Man</em>-Driver</q>. That's what it says to me; <q><em>Man</em>-Driver</q>. Say it to yourself a few times - <q><em>Man</em>-Driver</q>.
</p>
<p>
Note that <a href="http://www.google.co.uk/search?q=%22this+specification+does+not+define%22">this entry does not define</a> exactly what a <q>Man-Driver™</q> is. Answers on a postcard.
</p>