I am an avid fan of the Daily Maverick and there’s usually something in it that makes me smile. Be it an article or a photograph or a cartoon, I enjoy a little bit of mirth after a scroll through the headlines and summaries.

Lately I have become aware of the sign-off – and that too causes a wee bit of joy. You see John Stupart is the Newsletters Editor and I can’t help but think that saying his name aloud sounds like Stupid – ag shame.   But the deputy Newsletters Editor is called Sarah Hoek. Now as an aspirant author Hoek is by far the more engaging name to sign off with as the very purpose of the newsletter is to hook the reader into a longer commitment -i.e. applying your mind to the whole article.

That’s just a bit of fun.

Please forgive me Daily Maverick if you are offended.

It’s astonishing that in life inventors have named things that have become part of the language thanks to their moniker.

Naming inventions

Embarking on a whimsical journey through the annals of innovation I found a few of these.

First up, we have the legendary James Loo! Yes, you read that right. Mr. Loo is the genius behind the porcelain throne, the one and only… drumroll, please… toilet! It’s like his name was a premonition of his destiny to revolutionise the way we answer nature’s call.

Zipping up 

Turning to fasteners that we take so for granted – ever heard of Sally Zip? No, she’s not a comic book hero cast as a dominatrix; she’s the mastermind behind the zipper! Imagine the convenience of her invention, ensuring our pants stay up and our jackets remain sealed with a swift zip.

And let’s not forget about Barry Light (rather a sore point for us South Africans) – nevertheless this luminary gave the world the gift of illumination with his groundbreaking work on light bulbs. Every time you flick a switch, remember to thank Mr. Light for brightening up your world! (As long as you’re off-grid)

Staying with energy or lack thereof, let’s meet Robin Watt who gave his name to the measurement of electricity with the wattmeter. Watts in a name after all? Or is that ‘What’s in a name? Source: “History of the Wattmeter,” Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers)

In stereo

Marshall Sounder rounds out this tech/power trio. He deserves a nod for this sonic innovation, for his pioneering work in audio technology which revolutionised the way we listen to music, giving birth to iconic amplifiers and speaker systems.

Artistic visionary, Pablo Brush didn’t just paint; he wielded his brushes like magic wands, creating masterpieces that have stood the test of time. (Notice the borrowing of the first name from the original Italian master). From landscapes to portraits, Pablo Brush’s name is synonymous with creativity and finesse.

From brushes to magnets and this is where we find Madame Magnolia Attraction. Magnolia became enamoured with magnets and their captivating forces. Her groundbreaking research paved the way for countless applications, from MRI machines to magnetic levitation trains.

And fresh from the garden is botanist extraordinaire, Flora Bloom. She dedicated her life to unlocking the secrets of plant growth. Her research laid the groundwork for advancements in agriculture, ensuring that crops around the world flourish and bloom.

Again I ask, “What’s in a name?” Hoek, Stupart? As long as you bring me the news every day, I’m happy.

Gotta love Shakespeare: origin of idioms

Cat got your tongue? Origin of idioms