The name Digger

[Lou0712]

We are getting a black puppy in a couple of months. My son really wants to call him Digger….but some people are saying it sounds like a similar offensive word.
Thoughts??

These were the first early readers I had at school. Sam and Pam had Digger the Dog.

in WW2 there was a famous black dog who was called the racial slur. They made a film with him in it, but eventually had to over dub the speech and change his name to Digger. Those of us old enough to know the film will relate the name to that.

Why on earth would you not be happy calling out "Digger"? It's not a slur.
Unless you don't ever say duck or say "can't" for fear of causing offense.

He's a little boy wanting to call a pet after things he loves. It's sweet and wholesome. Don't mar it with adult overthinking.

Fwiw my friend has a dog called Digby and in the park she mostly calls out "Digs" to get him to come.

I can't even think of any films with a black dog.
I doubt anyone under 50 would either.

It was the Battle of Britain film, Guy Gibson’s dog if I remember correctly

Gosh some people will try so hard to find offence in anything. I heard the name digger and thought what a cute name for a dog. Especially if he enjoys digging as many dogs do! I think it speaks volumes(and not in a good way) of those people who immediately thought of the N word.

That was what they changed it to because originally his name was the racial slur!

The film is the Dambusters (1955) based on a WW2 raid.

Yes, we said it’s on them if people automatically think that! We are clearly not calling him the offensive word! We just weren’t sure if we were being naive and might upset people

That’s the one ! I knew it was Guy Gibson .

I would think he likes digging. The other thing wouldn't have crossed my mind. Names get shortened or lengthened anyway. Digs, Diggychops, etc.