Wikipedia:Reference desk/Archives/Language/2018 October 14

= October 14 =

Van Rocks
In the German Wikipedia there is an ongoing debate on the meaning of 'van' in the name of these small islands in the South Shetland archipelago. The sources say that these islands are „so named by the UK Antarctic Place-names Committee (UK-APC) because they mark the first or westernmost of the South Shetland Islands.” From this follows, IMHO, that 'van' here must be meant in the sense of 'vanguard'. Unfortunately the English sources give no further explanations on the meaning of the name 'Van Rocks'. I wonder if in this context any other meaning of 'van' other than 'vanguard' would make any sense. My assumption is, that there are no further explanations on the meaning of the name 'Van Rocks' in the sources, because it is obvious to any native English speaker. Please let me know about your opinions on that subject as native English speakers. --Gretarsson (talk) 00:06, 14 October 2018 (UTC)
 * If someone or something is "in the van of something" they are "in the lead" or "in the forefront" of it. See Longman Dictionary of Contemporary English. DuncanHill (talk) 00:10, 14 October 2018 (UTC)
 * William Falconer in The Shipwreck has the immortal lines "While o'er the quivering deck, from van to rear, Broad surges roll in terrible career." The English sources wouldn't need to give other explanations after they have given the correct one. One wonders what the fuss is about. DuncanHill (talk) 00:18, 14 October 2018 (UTC)
 * And if we turn to Chambers 20th Century Dictionary, we find the very first meaning of van listed is "a shortened form of vanguard (literally or figuratively, as in "in the van of modern fashion")". You might suggest to your German colleagues that they invest in an English dictionary :) DuncanHill (talk) 00:26, 14 October 2018 (UTC)
 * Bam! Thank you very much! Cheers! --Gretarsson (talk) 00:39, 14 October 2018 (UTC)
 * (ec)My great-aunt's old Collins English Gem Dictionary - van - "leading division of army, fleet, procession, etc. vanguard". DuncanHill (talk) 00:41, 14 October 2018 (UTC)