« The Etymology of 'Beanird' »
The name ‘Beanird’ originated in elementary school, describing one who was “being a nerd”. The subsequent tense change and misspelling were products of the times, perhaps a testament to my cohorts’ juvenile goals to reinvent or an underscoring of our education. In either case, the name stuck, and not only to myself. I recall at least five people with the title – as it was then – with others pushing at the flanks to be included. Indeed, I believe my fourth-grade teacher was ‘Beanird #1’; I’m fairly certain I was #2, and definitely in the top three.
After elementary school, the nickname moved to refer only to me. Nonetheless, this created confusion with my teachers, who commonly misheard the epitaph for a derogative term used for migrants. This, and the aging of my friends, both in years and feet, probably led to the demise of the term in daily discourse. In an aside, I would like to observe that the nickname was something of a prideful title for me. It signified a ‘golden era’, one unmarred by age or maturity. It was revered as much as it was identified, and that says something.
So when I became interested with ‘the Interwebs’ and web design, I adapted the nickname; I felt a short and unique pseudonym would suit my purposes well. Though I realize retrospectively that the name meant something more.. I clung to the ideals it represented: youth, fun, irreverence, sometimes ignoring my own self-interests. Setting up the website, I think, was probably a na√Øve move, especially considering my goals were heavily rooted in such childish beliefs one would read in CS Lewis. With that said, I still believe it what ‘Beanird’ means, only with my regular grain of salt and spritz of lemon. I mean, I still have the arcade.
So now, ‘Beanird’ is simply a moniker; I don’t answer to it. (It should be noted that no one calls me by it either.) My name is Ian Willinger, and this is Beanird(dot)com.
