My name is @

By Genghis | Thursday, August 16, 2007 | View Comments

I came across an article, where a couple in China wants to name their son @. You read correctly, @, which prounounced in Mandarin is “ai ta” and translated in English means “love him”. It turns out that the deputy chief of the State Language Commission, turned down their request, saying

…the name was an extreme example of people’s increasingly adventurous approach to Chinese, as commercialization and the Internet break down conventions.

I shouldn’t be one to talk. I’ve had the name Genghis all my life. It’s served me well, and most people give me compliments for being named after a Mongolian barbarian. “That’s such a strong and powerful name” except of course when it’s butchered at your local Starbucks. The barrista calls my order, “Iced Grande Vanilla latte for Gingivitis”. I flee to a corner and wait a few minutes to pick up my latte as to not draw more embarrassment. I suppose @ would have a difficult time at Starbucks too.

“Hi, I’d like to order an Iced grande vanilla latte.”

“What’s your name?”, the cashier replies.

“@.”

“How do you spell it?”

“@ like the symbol in your email address.”

A hush falls over Starbucks, the music stops. The cashier looks at @ in confusion.

“Nevermind, the name’s Ed.”

What next?

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Sandy

Genghis is an awesome name. No one ever forgets it, and it’s definately more unique than something like “Mike”.
Sandy

Genghis is an awesome name. No one ever forgets it, and it’s definately more unique than something like “Mike”.
http://akrypti.wordpress.com Akrypti

My first name makes me sound like a porn star. People always ask, with a smirk, “Is that really your name? Like, is that what it says on your birth certificate?” Yes, yes. My parents have a very schadenfreude sense of humor, what can I say.

I actually think “@” or “ai ta” is a really cute name. Well, this is coming from the person who wants to name her children Elita, Prophecy, Raven, and Lexikai.
http://akrypti.wordpress.com Akrypti

My first name makes me sound like a porn star. People always ask, with a smirk, “Is that really your name? Like, is that what it says on your birth certificate?” Yes, yes. My parents have a very schadenfreude sense of humor, what can I say.

I actually think “@” or “ai ta” is a really cute name. Well, this is coming from the person who wants to name her children Elita, Prophecy, Raven, and Lexikai.
Claire

Genghis, you know this to be true: these parents can just go the Filipino route and still have their way. They can just name the kid some perfectly acceptable Chinese name but give her “@/ai ta” as a nickname. Just look at my family members named Maria or Vicente who go by Pinky, Bong Bong, Tin Tin, and best of all, Boobsie.
Claire

Genghis, you know this to be true: these parents can just go the Filipino route and still have their way. They can just name the kid some perfectly acceptable Chinese name but give her “@/ai ta” as a nickname. Just look at my family members named Maria or Vicente who go by Pinky, Bong Bong, Tin Tin, and best of all, Boobsie.
http://www.Popcast88.com Xxxtine

Can’t for get everyone’s Tito Boy
http://www.Popcast88.com Xxxtine

Can’t for get everyone’s Tito Boy
http://www.littleyellowdifferent.com Ernie

One word: ERNIE. There, I win.
http://www.littleyellowdifferent.com Ernie

One word: ERNIE. There, I win.
http://akrypti.wordpress.com Akrypti

Well, is Ernie short for Ernest? I like “Ernest.” That’s a great name.
http://akrypti.wordpress.com Akrypti

Well, is Ernie short for Ernest? I like “Ernest.” That’s a great name.
http://mikelee.org/ Mike

Yea, “Mike” is hella too common. And ooo look, 7 comments!
http://mikelee.org/ Mike

Yea, “Mike” is hella too common. And ooo look, 7 comments!
Bruce

Hey Genghis, why would you flee to a corner? Is that a joke with the barista or something? Do you actually allow people to disrespect your name?

Just wondering.
Bruce

Hey Genghis, why would you flee to a corner? Is that a joke with the barista or something? Do you actually allow people to disrespect your name?

Just wondering.
http://andywibbels.com/ Andymatic

Sweet lord how will he tell people his email address: @@yahoo.com?
http://andymatic.com/ Andy

Sweet lord how will he tell people his email address: @@yahoo.com?
Genghis

Or @@ could be shorthand for All Terrain Armored Transport. 20 pts to guess the reference.
Genghis

Or @@ could be shorthand for All Terrain Armored Transport. 20 pts to guess the reference.
http://www.8asians.com/2007/08/27/the-hip-n-free-philippine-encyclopedia/ 8 Asians » The Hip ‘n Free Philippine Encyclopedia

[...] Genghis has been covering all sorts of news about China, I wondered, what about the Philippines? I mean, Asia is more than just [...]

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My name is @

By Genghis | Thursday, August 16, 2007 | No Comments

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I shouldn’t be one to talk. Genghis is a pretty unique name, and it’s served me well throughout my life. However there are times when I hold back on giving my name just for the sake of

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My name is @

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My name is @

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