SEMANTIC ENIGMAS



What do the British mean when they call somebody an "anorak"? Peter Post, Boston USA It is a term of mild abuse directed almost exclusively at men. Such men are usually obsessively interested in an obscure subject and/or activity - the archetypal one being trainspotting. Such activities often require the participant to spend hours out of doors doing not much and occasionally writing something in a little book. Hence, such people often wear anorak because they are (a) cheap (b) practical (c) have lots of pockets for flasks, notebooks, pencils, other pencils etc. Obsessive participation in such activities into later life is often regarded with derision by soi-disant normal people, whereas in fact it has actually been linked to a mild form of autism. Simon Blake, Shrewsbury England An 'Anorak' is the name given to someone who has an obsession with a particular hobby i.e. football statistics, trainspotting etc. I presume that the word itself derives from the rows of sad looking people standing every weekend and evening in the rain at the train station in their anoraks with their thermos flasks of tea while they tick off the numbers of trains as they go past. Jon Wereik, Welwyn, Herts UK The nearest equivalent non-British slang term might be "nerd". An anorak is literally a hooded waterproof coat, and the slang term was originally applied to trainspotters - people whose hobby is hanging around railway stations, monitoring the arrivals/departures of various trains and writing down their serial numbers in little notebooks. I swear there are such people, and their hobby requires them to wear suitably draught-proof clothing. By extension it has become applied to anyone with an obsessive interest in a subject that is too technical or boring for anyone else to know much about. By the way, the title of the film Trainspotters is a reference to the interest the characters had in the traffic up and down the lines in their arms! Leo Hickey, Barking UK It is a disparaging term for someone who goes trainspotting, can tell you when each episode of Star Trek was originally broadcast, and has no friends other than fellow 'anoraks'. This is their chosen outergarment, whatever the weather, and they always still live with their mothers. They can quote 'Red Dwarf' scripts vebatim, and know all the boring and unimportant stuff about how computers work. Will that do? Jonathan, Lancaster UK To clarify, an anorak is a waterproof jacket, typically with a hood, of a kind originally used in polar regions.(derived from Greenland Eskimo 'anoraq') These garments found favour with those pursuing outdoor activities, most noticeably 'trainspotting' (collecting railroad train numbers)and during the 1980's it became a general derogatory term for an obsessive person with similar unfashionable and largely solitary interests. The modern day trainspotter is an altogether more sophisticated creature, most likely to be found wearing a Polyester microfibre mountaineer's jacket which boasts excellent wicking properties, a waterproof laminate skin and big enough pockets for voice activated dictation machine and a pair of high quality German binoculars. However, the epithet still applies and if anything, is more appropriate than ever. John Midknight, Harrow UK It's due to the type of coat worn by trainspotters whilst they scribble frantically into their notebooks on the end of cold, lonely railway platforms. The appeal of trainspotting is a mystery to most of us so if someone hints at rather too much statistical knowledge of something mundane or trivial, the epithet "anorak" is jofully applied. I suppose the american "nerd" is an equivalent. Austin Fisher, Auckland New Zealand The term "Anorak" refers to anyone who is obsessed with a hobby to the point of fanatacism. It comes from trainspotters (a term that can be freely substituted for anorak) who traditionally wear anoraks to keep toasty while noting down train numbers on windy platforms. Dan Whaley, Amsterdam Netherlands "Anoraks" are coat-like garments that (according to a rather cruel stereotype) train-spotters are seen to favour as they stand at the end of railway station platforms noting down the train numbers that pass by. The term "Anorak" has evolved to mean a person who partakes of what may be seen as rather a odd hobby or subject. Matt Jones, Croydon UK An "anorak" is someone who is either very knowledgeable or interested in a subject. The subject is usually one which would not interest other people - e.g. trainspotting, science fiction etc. The term comes from the deeply unfashionable plastic anoraks of the 70s and 80s, which supposedly people who obsess about such subjects would wear. (Since they're into "sensible" clothes and not fashion). Rick Webber, London Uk The term anorak is used to describe someone who has an avid interest or expertise in something most people would either find boring (train spotting) or is very complex such as quantum physics. John Ness, Glasgow Scotland An anorak is a derogatory term meaning the anal retentive accumulation of miniscule, arcane, and quite often useless bits of information. I believe it was used first around the indie music scene of the mid eighties. The item in question refers to the preferred clothing of those followers of that great British pastime - trainspotting. Knowledge for knowledge's sake, if ever there was. John , New York USA These answers are getting me worried. As a child in Melbourne (where I didn't need an anorak), I kept what I called my "tram collection", a list of numbers from 1 to 1200 that I used to carry around with me in my mother's car. Does anyone know where I can get help? Andrew Leslie, Stuttgart Germany I don't believe it...only one day on the site and 10 people fell for this question. 10 anoraks. Matthew, London The first use, to the best of my knowledge, was due to the waterproof clothing worn by the people who would charter small boats to see the offshore pirate radio stations that were moored off the Essex coast. The presenters would look out of the studio window and talk to their listeners about the latest boat load of anoraks coming towards the ship. Mark Morton, Leeds UK As a nerd, permit me to comment on comparing "anorak" with "nerd". In American slang an "anorak" would be properly known as a "geek" rather than a nerd. In short, a nerd is a geek with some social skills. Bill Gates was notorious for his unwashed hair, eyeglasses held together with tape, and for having "virtual dates" (he and another would go to the same dinner and movie in DIFFERENT CITIES, then discuss this over email). Now, Gates has an attractive wife (also a nerd), gives billions to charity and built a house like God would if God could afford it. Gates used to be a geek, now he's a nerd. Ralph Nader is a geek, Al Gore is a nerd. David Dreaming Bear, Horsethief Canyon, California USA Anorak is a term of abuse applied to trainspotters because of the clothes they wear when pursuing their supposedly pointless hobby. The people who enjoy giving such abuse often have much more thrilling and fulfilling interests such as milling around with crowds of semi-drunk hooligans all wearing identical multi-coloured scarves while watching overpaid prima donnas trying to propel a plasticised pig-bladder substitute in between two sticks. Mike Baldwin, Waltham Cross England Just out of interest I did a survey of a randomly selected group of Notes & Queries participants and categorised them into anoraks and non-anoraks based on a sophisticated questionnaire. The proportion that were anoraks turned out to be significantly higher than that of the general population at a p level of <0.001 using a binomial exact test. I can send you a copy of the results if you want, in a PDF attachment. Ooh here comes a train... Roger Humphry, Inverness Scotland To support Mark Morton's point, this is from www.offshoreradio.co.uk Andy Archer is the only DJ to have worked offshore in the sixties, seventies and eighties........Andy has been credited with inventing the term anorak to describe an enthusiastic, if slightly obsessive, fan. It dates from 1973 or 74 when four boat loads of listeners went out on an excursion to visit the three radio ships then anchored off the Dutch coast. On Radio Caroline it was decided that they would mark the occasion by presenting a programme not from inside the studio as normal but from out on the deck to give the fans something to see. It was a chilly day and the visitors had sensibly wrapped up warm against the elements. The listeners heard Andy say that he was delighted that so many anoraks had come out to see the ship. From this one, off-the-cuff, remark, thousands of enthusiasts across Europe came to be known as anoraks and a new example of modern English usage was born. Pete Watt, Twickenham To make the anorak/geek/nerd thing even more difficult, here on the East Coast, it's generally accepted that geeks are nerds with social skills, not vice versa. So I suppose that my tech-head husband is a geek in the eastern USA, a nerd in the western USA, & doesn't qualify as an anorak in the UK. Karen Abbott, New Jersey USA Do people who compulsively read and submit to N&Q qualify as "anoraks?" Mark, Heidelberg Germany The answer is: of course, geeks. pathetic, arn't they? no one in the U.S spots trains...ours are much more intense, usually bordering on insanity or C.O. disorder. I personally count patterns of flashing lights (turn signals, traffic lite changes, ect.) charles nelson, detroit, michigan. usa Charley, I spot trains! I go to the station, and spot trains. It's actually quite fun. And I have been called an anorak by my Brit friend. I don't take it as too much of an insult, although it's meant to be one. Then again, I take geek and nerd as compliments as well. To use the definition in a britspeak dictionary, "A socialy inept person, obsessed with a hobby or intrest. Has little or no fashion sense, and errs towards eccentricy." Jen, New Jersey USA Eddie Stobart lorry spotters. Matt Hill, Wednesbury, UK Reading the replies above it has become clear to me that a train spotter who stands at the centre of a warm platform while the wind is not blowing is not, in fact, an anorak. Dave, Swindon, UK Having a boyfriend who enjoys trainspotting I would say that he is considerably more interesting than many men who can't be dragged away from the TV or games machines. Sue, Essex, UK The term also applies to people who can recite the correct order for the reading of the shipping forecast. Hamish McSmall, Dundee Scotland I recall from my university days that a geek was defined as a circus perfomer who bit the heads off of live chickens. Part of the great American circus and freak show traditions of my land. (although these traditions were doubtlessly inherited from superior European cultures.) PeterR, New York US I am a builder with an obsession for astronomy and space science related subject's my friends and family often call my an anorak. I am proud to be a member of this exclusive lifestyle, and would like some ideas for 2008 anorak color's. Craig Evans, Barry Wales, UK Anoraks, Nerds and Geeks have something in common However Nerds interests tend to be 'intellectually based' thus they can recite the complete works of shakespeare tell you the date they were written. Can solve the most complicated mathematical problems etc. Thus Alan Turing is a typical Nerd. Geeks tend to be more technically based and interested in things like science fiction Anoraks tend to pursue outdoor hobbies such as train spotting bird watching and so forth. The things that bind them are their complete lack of anything to do with fashionable interests and a general lack of social awareness. Chris, Edinburgh United Kingdom We all seem to be getting on the wrong bus hear they are more than just "sad old men standing on a platform". In the hobby you have photographers that can be seen all over and 'Bashers' - people that ride the trains. I mean, I am a trainspotter. I don't hang around a station and I do not own a note book but I am still a trainspotter. Get you facts right before answering questions please. Adam Jackson, Nuneaton, England Reading the above, I've guessed that you can be an anorak without trainspotting and without actually wearing or owning an anorak, but can you be a geek if you have only the interest but not the technical skills? Kay Rivera, Philippines My name is John ... and I'm a ...Trainspotter. I have an black anorak with a brown furry collar which I wear most autumn/winter/spring days. I always carry a black notebook and a pencil (pens run out). During my lunchbreaks I'm usually to be found on a railway bridge near where I work. If I finish work on time you'll see me either at the station car park or at another bridge. I will always have my camera with me in case I see an 'interesting train'. My current aim is to photograph all Class 66 locomotives. I have few friends - work colleagues yes - but few friends. Weekends are split between my gorgeous lady (she's lovely) - who lives some distance away - and an early start to view a visiting charter train in the area or just the run of the mill freights of the former GW main line between London and Birmingham. Evenings I'm monitoring the 'gen' web-sites to see what trains are running where and planning how I can juggle my time to maximise my rail viewing pleasure. I cause none harm ... and yet I am ridiculed. I've been a rail enthusiast, trainspotter or ferro-equinologist, and yes, an anorak for over 45 years and will continue for many years to come. The railway scene changes - the days of steam are but a memory - a vivid memory but just a memory. Beeching's Axe fell and decimated our iron roads. The demise of the ill-fated diesel classes of the 1955 Modernisation plan was long ago. And our beloved Westerns, Whistlers, Peaks, and of course Deltics exist only as museum pieces - albeit finely preserved and living examples. And now in the seemingly never ending stream of 66's we nevertheless derive as much pleasure as ever. DRS, Freightliner, EWS, Metronet, Shanks - all different liveries powering different trains. We still love 'em. And always will!! My name is John .... AND I'M A TRAINSPOTTER - A PROUD TRAINSPOTTER !!!!!!!!!!!! John, Oxford UK All of the above sound a lot like my husband and 13 year old son. My wonderful husband is obsessed with the 2nd World War and my gorgeous son is vey heavily into anything that has wheels and is fast, in particular Ferraris, Lamborghinis,etc. They have both been diagnosed with Asperger's Syndrome, a mild form of Autism. Social skills not so good, obsessive interest in one particular subject area, fashion sense- total lack of interest. Bill Gates has some of these traits, so I believe it's not an entirely negative thing to have. Ineke, Brisbane, Australia Supporting answers from Mark Morton and Pete Watt, the term "anorak" was originally created by "pirate" offshore radio DJs in the early 70's, who used the term widely on the air to describe the boatloads of fans who used to visit the ships. I quote: He made a complete description of how the word Anorak came in use originally in the Offshore Radio World. Its Andy Archer who wants to comment on this:  I just like to correct you on one point about "anoraks". We originally called "anoraks" the "anorak and Acne Brigade, because all of the fans that waited for us on the quay at Scheveningen seemed to wear anoraks and a lot of them had acne. Later we shortened it to "anoraks". The meaning has since expanded to include anyone with similar traits to these original obsessive fans. (Train Spotters, etc). Keith, Costa Calida, Spain Anorak = my son. He collects door numbers. Paul Boswell, Widnes, England Closely related to this is the word 'anoraknaphobia'. Nothing to do with a fear of spiders, but a term for the collective derision that our dumbed down culture has for anyone who is interested in anything or knows about something in detail (other than Premier League Football or TV reality shows). Mike Hyde, Solihull, UK Can we look at this slightly diferently. Are anoraks necessary in the battle against 'dumbing down'? What if we said that being an anorak wasn't confined to a particular garment or lack of fashion awareness (whatever that means?)nor the pursuit of a hobby but was a state of mind or being that made others think you were a bit of a loner. Don't we all need to be a bit of an anorak from time to time and stare out to sea? David, Eastbourne, Britain Why pick on the train spotter, my friend was a Plane spotter in the 70's + 80's and discovered numerous interest facts about the different types of planes while acquiring the autographs of international singing stars like #demos rusos on the back of a bus schedule so there are advantages of being an anorak GERRY, THURLES IRELAND I notice another contributor said that Trainspotting can (not always) be a mild form of autism. I just caught a train from Exeter, and a lad was not only trainspotting, he was speaking loudly along with the platform announcers announcements, and my first reaction was "that's Aspergers if ever I saw it". The link between transpotting and autism hadn't crossed my mind before. And please no one read this as offensive, or a generalisation, it's just an observation. John Davis, Plymouth UK I can definitely confirm that the first usage of the term "Anorak" was used aboard the "Mi Amigo" off Holland in the second coming of Radio Caroline. It is credited to Andy Archer, but was probably actually in use amongst the Offshore Radio Community before then. I know this because I am one. http://www.radiocaroline.co.uk Steve Rowlandson, Warwick, UK An anorak is basically a pretty decent insult. For example, I have a friend called Josh, who appears to display anorak tendencies from time to time. Thus for, I often label him an anorak. E.g. Josh: "I challenge you to a game of chess." Me: "Erm... why?" Josh: "Because I feel that we will tesselate nicely within the chess community" Me: "Mate, you're a bleeding anorak". As you can see from the above example, when "anorak" is used in the correct context, it is a blinding vituperation. The use of the word often fills the "insulter" with a delectable sense of satisfaction and achievement. Meanwhile, the "insulted" is left red-faced and dejected. So next time you feel someone you know is inclining towards the "anorak" school of thought, be sure to bedazzle them with this classic British insult. Jacob Swatton, Grantham UK Please keep in mind, Asperger's Syndrome/Autism are, clinically, incipient stages of a Psychopathic personality disorder, JMcA. Jacke McAllister, New York New York The term 'anorak' is a mark of separation and used by those sad critics who stumble through life, unable to find an interest outside of their dreary work-bound existence. Anorak refers to a person who has developed a fringe interest which nearly always had it's origins in childhood and is no less useless than the crossword, jig-saw puzzle, TV soap addiction or a marriage vow. Get a life. Get an interest!. P.Wood, Derby UK A weatherproof coat or colloquially, someone who has a hobby that isn't deemed 'cool' by some idiotic comedian or the media. Work this out: Knowledge of computer workings = anorak Sports stats knowledge = cool Train Spotter = anorak Football programme collector = cool Ham radio enthusiast = anorak Facebook user = cool Watching birds/wildlife = anorak Reality TV Watcher = cool Stamp/chess/sewing/etc. club meeting = anoraks Drunked night out with possible fight = cool Sensless or what. Live and let live. The mild mannered interests that people undertake are seen as boring, nerdy, anorakious but the loud, garish, boisterous, offensive, dangerous pastimes are seen as cool!! Stupid rules made up by a stupid minority of people in the media. Anyone who thinks these people are 'anoraks' are the boring and ignorant ones. Joe, Pembroke Dock Wales In my city, anorak coats are worn by elderly "senior citizens" who receive discounted passes for public transportation and so are seen outside at all times, in all weathers. Typically accompanied by white tube socks, athletic sneakers (what Brits call "trainers") and a canvas tote bag from Walgreens. Contrary Mary, Chicago, US @Jacke McAllister: Being an aspie/autie is not the same as being a psychopath, at all. Please get your facts right, stuff like this causes people who are on the autistic spectrum a lot of grief. Emma, UK



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