Nom d'un nom d'un nom

While chatting with a friend today, for some reason, we got onto the topic of names, specifically Mallu names. And we had a good time laughing at the strange logic or lack of it that seizes parents in our part of the world when naming kids.

And it reminded me of the time I was introduced to a bright, and personable young man by a friend. Now, the friend, in general had a stentorian voice, so I was quite puzzled when he mumbled the guy's name under his breath. He went, "Sh..mumblemumblehumhawcough...y Xxxx." How was I supposed to call the guy this totally incomprehensible name? Anyway, I stuck my hand out for a handshake and said, "Fling, Orange Fling, pleased to meet you... ?" (You know, like James Bond introduces himself, "Craig, Daniel Craig." Just like that.) The idea being that he would also say "Xxxx, whatever Xxxx '. Else, I could just see myself on the phone the next day, going "May I please speak to Sh..mumblemumblehumhawcough...y Xxxx?" No luck, though. He just shook my hand and smiled. It was a nice smile, believe me. I would have so liked to figure out what was going on behind that smile. But by then, I was resigned to calling him Mr. Xxxx, the next time we met. And I know as well as the next person that calling someone Mr. Anything, is just not conducive to anything but seriousness. I was so disappointed.

Maybe it was the expression on my face that made him decide to cheer me up. I'll never know. What I do know, is that just as he was leaving, he reached into his pocket, took out his wallet, drew out a visiting card and handed it to me. At that point in time, there was this fad of accepting visiting cards like the Japanese do, with both hands and a deep bow. My bows were never very deep and this time was not an exception. But as I bowed over the card, I took a quick peek at the name, and almost fell over. There in big bold capital letters was his name:

SHITTY XXXX

What, oh what, were his parents thinking when they named him?