Best/worst

[OsMalleytheCat]

I love a good baby name thread but I will never understand why people jump onto "worst name" threads claiming that it's the most vile thing in the world to select the name that in your opinion is horrendous; but it is ok to say that's the worst name I've ever heard on a "do you like the name" thread?

WHYYY the hypocrisy MNetters, I see no difference between the two!

Well, the do you like this name threads are canvassing opinions about a specific name people are considering, and are actively asking for opinions relating to their choice. I guess if everyone says they don't like the name they are considering then they may make a different choice.

The what is the worse name to have heard threads are just about meanness. And people generally get upset.

But people will still get upset if 100 posters all post saying 'no you can't name your child Adam that's horrid!' That's still pretty mean!

I know people who post are canvassing opinions but they obviously like the name and want others to say 'yep! Love it!'

I just don't see much of a difference personally and so don't understand why people get so angry about worst name threads...

I guess because in the 'do you like this name?' threads the poster has actively sought out an opinion on the name. They may be hoping for a positive response but they have asked for a response of some kind. Unfortunately other people who have already used the name may get hurt in the crossfire and for that reason I would always say things like 'I really dislike this name' or 'really not my taste' rather than 'urgh, that name is beyond awful, no mother should ever saddle an innocent baby with it' kind of response.

The 'worst name' threads invite unsolicited opinions on the names of the children of posters unknown. There is no purpose to them as there is no child to be named. I've joined in on them in the past as names are something that fascinate me and I could list names and my thoughts on them all day. But I've tried to stop doing it now as it upsets without cause and is a bit like gratuitous cruelty.

I don't think there's anything obvious about people asking 'do you like this name?' and expecting everyone to say 'I love it'.

If they were sure they loved the name then why ask?
If they had read a few threads in Baby Names before posting they would know they were going to get a fair few opinions.

If they had lived in general society for any amount of time they would know better than to ask questions and expect mind-reading in response.

I don't see anyone getting upset either, when 100 people say 'dreadful name' to their choice.

I think you are overthinking this.

OP, then they shouldn't ask opinions about the name Adam, if they don't want people to tell them whether they like it or not. And if they still use the name after knowing that it's not everyone's idea of a great name, then at least they are aware of that and can deal with the turned up noses when they introduce Adam!

Names you don't like thread just have the ability to upset an awful lot of people because an awful lot of names are mentioned as hated/chavvy/'etc - all negatively. There is nothing nice about it!

I think you're over thinking as well.