Pseudonym
Scouters use a Scouting Name which is a form of pseudonym.
A pseudonym (/ˈsuːdənɪm/) or alias (/ˈeɪliəs/) is a fictitious name that a person assumes for a particular purpose, which differs from their original or true name (orthonym). This also differs from a new name that entirely or legally replaces an individual's own.
Pseudonyms include stage names, user names, pen names, nicknames, aliases, superhero identities and code names and gamer identifications.
Pseudonyms should not be confused with new names that replace old ones and become the individual's full-time name. Pseudonyms are "part-time" names, used only in certain contexts – to provide a more clear-cut separation between one's private and professional lives, to showcase or enhance a particular persona, or to hide an individual's real identity, as with writers' pen names, graffiti artists' tags, resistance fighters' noms de guerre, and computer hackers' handles.
In some cases, pseudonyms are adopted because they are part of a cultural or organisational tradition.
Den Scouter names
The leader of a Den is Rafiki (Swahili for "friend").
Pack Scouter names
Pack Scouter names are taken from characters from The Jungle Book
The leader of a Pack is Akela. Other commonly used names include Baloo, Bagheera, Raksha and Kaa.
Troop Scouter names
Troop Scouters sometimes choose their Scouter name and sometimes it is given to them. In SA scouting it is often the name of an African animal.
Some famous scouting names in South Africa include:
- Impeesa (Zulu for hyena) - referred to B-P
- Kudu - Frank "Kudu" Quinn
- Beaver - Ed "Beaver" Rose - Also used by Barry Campbell in Vereeniging
- Badger - Charles "Badger" Miles
- Buffalo or Rama
- Duiker - Van der Velde "Duiker"