A Burner Lexicon

[Eric]

I think that "orphan" actually means both things, depending on context. I've heard it used for both; I think the definition should probably cover both.

The "I don't have a camp" definition seems to be much newer, but I certainly hear it used a lot.


I also think I used the word "both" in this post too much

[theCryptofishist]

I always assumed that the second meaning is derived from the sort of orphan thanksgivings that some people throw for people who can't (for whatever reason) go home.
I've never heard the first. Camp Envy I've heard.

[gaminwench]

... also, Reality Camp...

[theCryptofishist]

I guess I always heard "Camp Reality" as the place you come from and go to. Or maybe I always assumed that was meant.

[Dr. Pyro]

If you're looking for submissions for the Burner Lexicon, might I suggest Barbiebarian. That would be anyone who is camp member of Barbie Death Camp & Wine Bistro (or Barbie Death Village for that matter).

[kitoconnell]

Kit, I see you're defining "orphan" as someone who is staying in Defaultia during the burn despite their best efforts.

I think that in current usage it refers to a Burgin who doesn't know anyone and doesn't have a theme camp to participate in.


Am I wrong, and if so, just how wrong am I?

It appears from other replies that it has both meanings. I will see about either updating the entry or doing a second one.

Today instead of a new Lexicon entry, I republished an entry formerly published as a guestblogger on another site that belongs to the woman who suggested I write the lexicon). It's called 'A Lesson In The Dust': http://kitoconnell.com/a-lesson-in-the-dust/

[gyre]

I wish I could remember the wonderful phrasing they used, and I can't find it in search, but a warning used on channel 4 shows for the american audience might be called for.

Something to the effect of the language being extremely localized slang and best not attempted by those unfamiliar with it.
I posted the warning somewhere.

[Bob]

And Robert's your father's brother.

[kitoconnell]

Today on A Burner Lexicon, the topic of hippies: http://kitoconnell.com/lexicon-hippie/

[Ugly Dougly]

How about shemagh?

[kitoconnell]

I don't know this word! Define please?

[theCryptofishist]

It's that Yassir Arafat-type scarf that a lot of burners wear instead of a dust mask.

[kitoconnell]

Thanks! I have seen these but did not know what to call them.

[theCryptofishist]

Kaffia (spelling) is another term.

[Eric]

Shemagh is the term most Americans use, but keffiyeh seems to be more common amongst the people I know from the Middle East.

Personally I use keffiyeh, but they're both correct. It doesn't matter which name is used, they kick the ass of any dust mask I've ever used. I'm adding more for next year.

[Bob]

I think the American term is 'raghead headrag'.

[Dr. Pyro]

Bob, for once you even made me laugh.

[Ugly Dougly]

Effendi, shemagh might be an Iraqi term. Allah will provide.

[kitoconnell]

Today I write about the elephant in the room: http://kitoconnell.com/lexicon-drugs/

[kitoconnell]

Oops... for those that care a bunch of text got cut by accident from my drugs entry and has been added back in. It should appear more balanced now.

[moonrise]

I love words but I'm not an expert...I hope you take your time because I heard a lot of interesting words/terms (cannot recall all of them at this moment..nor the really good ones, arg)

These seem bland(?) but here goes;

Back Yard Burner, the Reno area Regionals mailing list uses that term. I guess it refers to those who live in the region of the playa/BRC.

Orphan, yea, there was an orphan camp I think somewhere, that's all I recall

Frogbat, not sure if it fits but it's funny and is the mascot off Friends of Black Rock Desert, I think...maybe more?

[theCryptofishist]

I have to say that alcohol and speed are associated with problems wherever they go.

And the human animal likes to be in altered states.

A quandary.

[kitoconnell]

moonrise: Thanks for your suggestions.

cryptofishist: Indeed. I agree with Dr. Andrew Weil that the urge to seek out altered states is as primal as the urge to eat, sleep, or fuck.

[moonrise]

your project is cool, no doubt. I think it would be awesome, however, if you incorporated, even if redefining them, all of the terms in the original lexicon so yours will be the definitive lexicon. You know, one stop shopping and all that

TdF (and everyone else) very cool!! (I suck at quoting everyone so I mentioned you all in bulk, haha)

I read the printed lexicon above, it's short. It seems Kit is trying to create an updated lexicon. Good. Things do evolve and the BM lingo is hilarious and useful. (where's Simon and so many others! in the bar3!?! drunk, lol)

Not to sound negative here (I stumbled into the "Survival" thread, yipes!) for some reason I am only remembering these terms/words...maybe they can be added and or described and maybe one eliminated.

Meltdown;____________________? (I saw one of those, ugh)

MOOP Nazi; A burner who adheres striclty to the LNT principal and let's it be known they are on the lookout, a MN's ultimate goal is a dark green grading on the moop map in their camp (and beyond) (no, I wasn't mooping but uh, was reminded a lot and yes, we got the dark green grade) btw, some of the nearby, surrounding red grades were where some great action took place, but still, maybe more ground tarps needed

Hippie Magic; It's science but hippies think it's "magic" or think it appears to be "magic"

Stowaway; (self explanatory)

Hippy;_________________(misspelled or a hippie/hipster? or vis a vis?)

Hippie; (self explanatory)

Stealth Hippie;________________(ok, I made this one up but uh.... has Job, not afraid of "'work" nor is that a bad four letter word, good hygene etc)

Artfag; a burner who came to see the art,_____(I saw this on eplaya or? not sure?) I don't like it, to test it, I said it a few times to burners I know, each time it caused pain/angst in the person's face. I could see it in one persons eyes, faaaar too strong. Seems like an awful, default world word used too frequently i.e. the "N" word. Maybe in SF Bay Area it's OK/thicker skin? But uh, what about the rest of the world? Does the Artery use it? I doubt they do.
I hope it dies, dries up, turns into dust and blows away for good.

Chasing Big Burns;______________________(OK, I made it up but I did it, a lot! I Think it sort of plays off of "Chasing Shadows" the opposite I recall.

I'll try to refresh my memory for the happy words I heard but most have been posted...and I'll steer clear of the "Survival" thread for a while! Whoa!*shudder*

[moonrise]

OK, I remembered some happy/positive ones!

Do-ocracy; burners are do-ers, they get things done, (they HAVE TO) are productive, overachievers_____________________________________________ ________________________________________________________(I like this one a LOT. I Left it blank for additional descriptions, you get the idea)

Rockstar(s); all burners are Rockstars,________________________(please fill in the rest)

BMIR; I just wanted to say Thanks! You guys are cool! My friends told me the minute the burn started they said over the computer "even if you aren't on the playa the burn has started for you also! Then monkey sounds and such... same goes for the Live Feed Camera, everyone loved that also!

;_______________________________(I think those that travel soooooo far to attend the festival deserve a description, just sayin' maybe "Bravos" ????)

Asshat;_____________________(duh, what is that EXACTLY? I can imagine but is it for any specific type? maybe not restricted to BM, lol)

The Hat; Mr. Larry Harvey, __________________(I'll leave that for you to finish)

[Ugly Dougly]

I reckon Kit's got to screen out those which are nonce words and not commonly used by the burner community generally.

[kitoconnell]

I appreciate all suggestions but do take some of them with a grain of salt. I can't believe I didn't have 'do-ocracy' on my list though yet! Thanks moonrise!

What is BMIR and do people really refer to Larry as 'The Hat' on a regular basis?

Also, I love that the wikipedia article for 'nonce word' has such great examples.

Today on A Burner Lexicon, we examine a favorite Burner sport: http://kitoconnell.com/lexicon-flamingsoccer/

[sputnik]

BMIR - Burning Man Information Radio (I'm listening to it right now)

I've always heard flaming soccer called Redneck Soccer

[Eric]

I think "The Hat" is common currency now- I know I use most of the time referring to Larryharvey.

[Ugly Dougly]

I think "The Hat" is common currency now- I know I use most of the time referring to Larryharvey.

I have heard that on eplaya but not at TTITD.