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Lucius Flavonius

Nicknames applied to wrestlers.

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I noticed that some forum members often use nicknames for sumo wrestlers. For example, "Asa", "Maru", "Mickey" etc.

I, being in no way disrespectful of others, still must say that this is a flaw.

I am against using such nicknames and applying them to wrestlers. I address Rijicho of the forum to draw his attention on this issue. I repeat that I only express my opinion and let the due moderators handle the later doings.

The forum members can use real and full shikonas, I hope. No nicknames.

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Whatever you say Luc. (Sign of disapproval)

I would love to see Rijicho enforce that one. :-D

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I must admit I'm very much puzzled by this thread. (Just do not get it...) I can understand not liking certain nicknames (there have been a few that I personally found rather silly), but disliking the practice of using nicknames at all? Much like Yubi (err, Yubiquitoyama), I'd be curious to learn more about your motivations in bringing this up, Lucius Flavonius.

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Lucius , sir, the rikishi themselves address each other solely by nicknames. Their nicknames are prominently displayed on their sites. Most of them are proud of them. I even posted all their nicknames a while ago, which I got off Nikkan sports official site. It is by no means derogatory in any form. It makes for easier posting. Maybe if you posted some relevant posts now and then (one??) and used their names once in a whilst giving out some useful information of some sort, you might get it. You seem to bitch bitch bitch all the time, ever since you got here. Be positive.

Edited by Kintamayama
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Another point is that a lot of the Rikishi do use nicknames which they are referred to in general conversation by their friends and heya mates-Dont they?

Im sure if they do,we shouldn't fault it.

Edit-Kintamayama made the same point almost simultaneously.

Edited by Fujisan

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I am against using such nicknames and applying them to wrestlers. I address Rijicho of the forum to draw his attention on this issue. I repeat that I only express my opinion and let the due moderators handle the later doings.

Would be good if you would explain your standpoint a bit. Now it is left up to guesswork that what is it that could be inapt in using nicknames for the rikishi. I can't think of any reason other than maintaining a very respectable distant relationship with this honourable thing called sumo and its players the rikishi so that addressing them would have to be very official and almost sacred solemnity should prevail when discussing them. I doubt that is your reason for this suggestion but like I said, hard to know why you say that if you don't explain at all.

As Rijicho I definitely won't give any demands or strong suggestions on how to talk about rikishi, nicknames or not, self-made nicknames or real nicknames.

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LF - the posters above myself are far more articulated and well meaning.

Far more patient of irrelevancy too at this point in time.

For myself though, I'd have to say - get yourself a life LF, get yourself a life!

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if LF want's to come here and do the typing of all the rikishi names i use then ..... ok.

but now that i am thinking it even then i wouldn't agree on this stupid demand.

(i would also love to hear the reasoning behind your thoughts....)

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Dear Mr. or Ms. Flavonius,

I suggest you read a part of David Benjamin's book The Joy of Sumo; A Fan's Notes. Chapter Two, the section called Nomenclature: Proper and Improper (from page 42). Then get back to us.

Regards,

Otokonoyama

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For real.

LF please explain exactly why you think we would stop using nicknames. I just don't see any point to it except creating a useless and pointless rule that drives members away.

Better yet, don't explain your reasoning. I doubt anyone here really wants to hear it anyway. Just take ANRs advice.

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Dear Mr. or Ms. Flavonius,

I suggest you read a part of David Benjamin's book The Joy of Sumo; A Fan's Notes.  Chapter Two, the section called Nomenclature: Proper and Improper (from page 42).  Then get back to us.

Can't you give us a quick run-down of what it says? :-|

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You seem to bitch bitch bitch all the time, ever since you got here. Be positive.

Come on, one of Lucius' posts inspired your signature, n'est-ce pas? It's something at least. :-|

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Come on, one of Lucius' posts inspired your signature, n'est-ce pas? It's something at least. :-|

Oh, was it Lucius?? Good man..

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I am quite astounded by such negative response coming from members who deem themselves to be well-mannered and calm.

I state that I am not against nicknames like "Blue Dragon", or even "Seal" if I got Tochiazuma's nickname correctly.

I protest against such words like "Shoes-on", "Cockeye" etc.

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I am quite astounded by such negative response coming from members who deem themselves to be well-mannered and calm.

I state that I am not against nicknames like "Blue Dragon", or even "Seal" if I got Tochiazuma's nickname correctly.

I protest against such words like "Shoes-on", "Cockeye" etc.

You have the prerogative to completely ignore my posts, since I'm the one using them. I promise not to be offended.

I also never "deemed myself to be well-mannered". I only deemed myself to be "wise in the lore of Sumo".

Edited by Kintamayama

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I am quite astounded by such negative response coming from members who deem themselves to be well-mannered and calm.

I state that I am not against nicknames like "Blue Dragon", or even "Seal" if I got Tochiazuma's nickname correctly.

I protest against such words like "Shoes-on", "Cockeye" etc.

Yeah, people do not like it when their posts are ignored.

I'm still waiting for you to tell us why you think its bad to use nicknames.

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Can't you give us a quick run-down of what it says? :-)

I'll give it a go...

It basically says that once you give a stranger (in this case a rikishi) your own label, you start to care about what happens to them (no matter if it's a cool or strange nickname). It makes their names/themselves easier to remember, pronounce, easier to love, and easier to forgive. The nickname (and athelete) grow on you, and forges a connection.

Fans in Japan do it too (sportscasters and writers tend to avoid it...). Take for example, The Wolf :-P

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It basically says that once you give a stranger (in this case a rikishi) your own label, you start to care about what happens to them (no matter if it's a cool or strange nickname).  It makes their names/themselves easier to remember, pronounce, easier to love, and easier to forgive.  The nickname (and athelete) grow on you, and forges a connection.

Thank you. It makes a lot of sense.

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i know that many people feel sumo is more than a sport and is on a much more "serious" level but bear in mind the fact that when a champion loses what do we do? why we throw cushions of course! very serious and cultural. also they sell beer / ice cream / chocolates in the shape of rikishi at he kokugikan. how serious is that? i think for members outside japan the everyday / lighter aspect of sumo sometimes is lost in the translation. don't worry LV there is more respect for sumo here than in almost any other place.

Yes, I think so too.:-P

It kinda takes the rikishi off of the pedestal, and makes them seem more human and endearing. They are not gods, but warriors. Instead of being Zeus, they are more like Hercules - superhuman, but mortal.

These nicknames only serve to increase our interest in sumo and it's players, not the reverse :-)

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Even the Japanese commentators use nicknames for Rikishi. I've heard Robocop a few times :-D

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