Fitzwilliam Darcy = bas@&$d a@&$hole

[Mary]

Given the thread about Wickham's name, I thought I'd post this about FD.
Do you think Austen did this intentionally?
If so, is there a name for such a literary device? Nominative determinism?

[Sophie, Your Lovely Moderator]

What exactly do you mean? I am lost!

[Mary]

Well fitz x is the illegitimate son of x. Hence bast@&d.
And the second is just a homophone of Darcy.
Both terms were used in Austen's era though more likely in bars and gentlemen's clubs
A modern equivalent would be Aaron Peck (arrogant prick)

[Sophie, Your Lovely Moderator]

oh I see what you are getting at.
I remember now that Fitzjohn is what illegitimate sons of royalty were named.

Interesting point to raise...
but he Is the good guy, so I don't think it means anything! (I hope not anyway!)

[Mary]

No, it's just a first impression...

[Sophie, Your Lovely Moderator]

ahaha! well, he really isn't like to begin with you are right!

[Marren]

Soph wrote: "oh I see what you are getting at.
I remember now that Fitzjohn is what illegitimate sons of royalty were name

I never knew that, I need to read more about that.

[Mary]

Ok, so this literary device is called a charactonym.

The most cited examples are from Dickens. J.k. Rowling makes extensive use of them.

Here are some interesting links

http://aprendeenlinea.udea.edu.co/rev...

http://books.google.com.au/books?id=Q...

[Marcy]

I am still lost!