Cacheonymic Games: Analysing the Motivation of Cache Names in Czech Geocaching Cover Image

Kešonymické hrátky: motivační typy pojmenování keší v českém geocachingu
Cacheonymic Games: Analysing the Motivation of Cache Names in Czech Geocaching

Author(s): Jan Chovanec
Subject(s): Language studies
Published by: AV ČR - Akademie věd České republiky - Ústav pro jazyk český
Keywords: proper names; onomastics; cacheonym; geocaching; community of practice; toponym

Summary/Abstract: Based on an analysis of the names of approximately 1500 Czech geocaches, the article outlines the basic naming processes involved in choosing cache names. Since most geo-caches are located in the open countryside, it is not surprising that transonymic processes involving transformation of toponyms and other kinds of place names are very frequent. However, due to the diverse character of geocaches, the motivation may also derive from existing anthroponyms or any other names of man-made, natural or fictional objects. Cache--naming may likewise involve the specification of the founder’s identity, the method of sol-ving a mystery task, the cache function, a mention of the treasure-hunting nature of the game and the serial character of some caches, with names often chosen with an element of humour. It is argued that the special nature of caches as onymic objects allows their names to be conceived of as a special category, namely cacheonyms. The article also discusses several aspects of the formal make-up of cache names and outlines some basic socio-linguistic issues connected with code choice (local code /e.g. Czech/ v. English v. other codes, and their mutual combinations).

  • Issue Year: LIII/2012
  • Issue No: 53
  • Page Range: 117-133
  • Page Count: 17
  • Language: Czech