August 21, 2011 An attempt to determine why the world can’t pronounce my name

Meeting people is not easy. At least, not when you have a ‘weird’ name. I’m not talking about personal anxieties or a lack of social cues here, but simply in terms of phonics. When people cannot seem to read or pronounce your name, introductions can be tedious- if not tiring- and sometimes very amusing.

Not that I’m trying to play the victim here- it’s more a source of entertainment to me at this point- but Jesus, people really seem to have a hard time with my incredibly simple, monosyllabic, rhyme-friendly name.

Dup. D-U-P. Yes, it rhymes with cup. No, it does not have an ‘e’ at the end- so why did you just say Dupe? What is wrong with your mouth? Sigh. I’m sorry, I didn’t mean it. I just don’t understand.

I’ve tried many strategies of making these moments easier for me and my new acquaintances. “It rhymes with…” “It’s spelled…” etc- but to no avail; they continue to butcher it! With sometimes hilarious results.

Even the ones who immediately get it (this is rare, and I generally communicate to them my appreciation) love to play with my name- repeating it to emphasize its rhythmic and onomatopoeic qualities, stretching it over titles of grandeur (Dupstin von Crossonstein), or even making it sound international (Di-upi).

Below is a short list of some the many variations my name has been honored to be a part of over the years. Feel free to add your contribution- I literally get a few new ones every week.

Duply
Duppers
Dupperson
Dupstin
Duo
Dupdup
Duplin
Duppy Conqueror
Dub
Dunk
Duck
Dove
Dante
Scott
Doug
Diupi
GORP
Dump
D-up (“dee-up”)
Bip
Dop
Dip
Dep
etc…

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