Looking for a name

rickshaw · February 05, 2012, 04:52:31 AM

I'm looking for a synonym for the word "Gnat" as a name for a new whif. Preferrably one that hasn't been used - if that is possible. I'm aware of "Mosquito" - "Gnat" afterall is an old Germanic word for "Mosquito". Problem is, "Mosquito" is synonymous with the famous de Havilland product and so really cannot be reused. Any suggestions?

Cliffy B · February 05, 2012, 05:07:14 AM

Cootie, Flea, pest, Midge, Sandfly, "No-see-um".

Mosquito translates to "little fly" so maybe some fly species might work? Mosquitoes, Gnats, and Midges are in the same family so one of them might work as well.

Will this whiff's specialty be? Might help narrow down some possibilities.

perttime · February 05, 2012, 05:41:48 AM

Here's a list of close relatives of the gnat, or Culex pipiens (the common house mosquito):

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_Culex_species#Subgenus_Culex_Linnaeus

rickshaw · February 05, 2012, 05:47:39 AM

Thanks, I'm looking more for common, rather than scientific names. As to the aircraft's role - its a strike aircraft.

The Rat · February 05, 2012, 06:37:48 AM

Is this going to be in service with an English speaking country? If not, find the name for a mosquito in whatever language it will serve under.

perttime · February 05, 2012, 07:46:27 AM

The Gaelic for gnat seems a little cumbersome. Otherwise it would be a possibility for the British Isles.

sandiego89 · February 05, 2012, 10:42:47 AM

How about Tsetse? Perhaps too large of an insect, but a good name for a ground attack theme as the name is fairly well known, it feeds on blood and makes it's enemies sick.

Mossie · February 05, 2012, 01:12:37 PM

Flea? Not in the family but a tiny insect that causes more annoyance than it's size.

PR19_Kit · February 05, 2012, 01:59:03 PM

But wasn't 'Tsetse' the name already given to the Mosquito XVIII with the 6 pounder Molins gun?

Gondor · February 05, 2012, 02:37:49 PM

Flea is also a fairly well known aircraft.

Gondor

Mossie · February 05, 2012, 02:55:58 PM

It wasn't a combat aircraft though. Flying Flea was only a rough English translation that rolled of the tongue, not the official name (Pou du Ciel).

The Rat · February 05, 2012, 03:21:29 PM

Quote from: Mossie on February 05, 2012, 02:55:58 PM
It wasn't a combat aircraft though. Flying Flea was only a rough English translation that rolled of the tongue, not the official name (Pou du Ciel).

And which, if I recall correctly, translates as 'Sky Louse'.

ChrisF · February 05, 2012, 04:56:42 PM

VESPID ?

Its a type of wasp...

ChrisF · February 05, 2012, 04:57:13 PM

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vespid

?

CammNut · February 05, 2012, 05:01:47 PM

Stinger, Nipper, Strikefly (as in Sandfly)

or if you want to tip a hat to your inspiration, the Stingnat or Midgefighter...

In the US they call midges no-see-ums - but then it would have to be stealthy!