User:Griffin Gaddie

I believe that I may have made a significant contribution to this theory, c. 1982-89. Here's a quick summary of what I've done, written as a rough draft, for a suggested addition to your article:

In his 1982 article, "News Names" (in Etc.: A Review of General Semantics, v.39, #4; Winter 1982, pp. 383-87), and then in his 1989 Dissertation, "Homophony and Paronomasia in America: On the Validity of Puns"), Dr. Griffin Gaddie at first semi-seriously, and then more seriously, noted the phenomenon of Nominative Determinism (though not by name). Gaddie suggested that in part, it might be motivated by the fact that some people many correctly intuit that there are many unexpected semantic links, links in meaning, between many "different" words that sound alike; homophones. Furthermore, linking "different" words that sound or look alike or similar, is the basis of punning. So in effect, the common notion that there is something serious in punning, especially punning on names, is partially true, linguistically. And therefore, many believe people semi-consciously believe there is something serious - potentially - in the connection between the sound of our names, and other words that sound similar. In any case, Dr. Gaddie notes, whether serious or not, children often tease other children, by making punning connections between our names, and other insulting similar-sounding words. So that early on, we are exposed deeply to ideas suggesting to nominative determinism. Including a suspicion that, our names contain a fated special message or destiny for us. In their punning resonances.

Thanks; Dr. Griffin Gaddie, Jan. 23, 2019