GW's worst puns?

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**reds8n**

filbert wrote:
GW=tacit Satan worshippers.

FACT!

..wait until you hear about the chaos runes...

Lorgar I'm not sure of at all.

I assume it's some form of contraction for "Lore Giver" or somesuch maybe ?

Or it could just be a suitably weird sounding name plucked from the ether.

Only thing I have stumbled across is http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/St_Martin_Orgar

but other than it being church related ... ( and a 666 in the year of the fire of course !

) with part of it being taken down and rebuilt -- like Lorgar's faith one could say.. but that's a BIG stretch IMO.

The church itself was named after Saint Martin http://www.newadvent.org/cathen/09732b.htm but, again, I can't really see anything other than the most obscure potential tangents or connections.
Must ask Mr. DBC next time he's on the board.

**BluntmanDC**

sjefke wrote:
Ouze wrote:
fahujaskillz wrote:how about Dante, Mephiston, and Baal from the BA? not only a Diablo reference

Don't get me started on just how much Warhammer Fantasy Battle ripped off World of Warcraft. WoW has dwarves, they gave WHFB dwarves. WoW has Orcs, they gave WHFB orcs (and Orks). They even took a lot of the same classes - WoW has wizards, so WHFB has bright wizards. No shame.

WHFB is essentially one big giant ripoff of WoW and I think Blizzard should sue the pants off of them.

Now, if you'll excuse me, I have to see a man about a song which ends the world.

ehmm.. what? wow is only 6 years old and the original warcraft games come from 1994+ if gw ripped of anyone it'd be dungeons and dragons/ the lord of the rings books, pretty much just your average fantasy setting with dwarves, humans, elves and orcs.
warhammer fantasy had recently had it's 25th birthday so yeah....

and the award for not reading the thread or getting the joke goes to .... drum roll please

and please realise that every fantasy game/book is based on classic mainly european mythology. tolkian wrote stories based on the classic story formats with fable and myth archeotypes, he didn't invent fantasy he just did it very well

**obsidianaura**

Ouze wrote:
fahujaskillz wrote:how about Dante, Mephiston, and Baal from the BA? not only a Diablo reference

Don't get me started on just how much Warhammer Fantasy Battle ripped off World of Warcraft. WoW has dwarves, they gave WHFB dwarves. WoW has Orcs, they gave WHFB orcs (and Orks). They even took a lot of the same classes - WoW has wizards, so WHFB has bright wizards. No shame.

WHFB is essentially one big giant ripoff of WoW and I think Blizzard should sue the pants off of them.

Now, if you'll excuse me, I have to see a man about a song which ends the world.

You are joking aren't you?

**weetyskemian44**

yes he is joking - I had some comment to make but the lulz made me forget. Errrrr

**Goliath**

AgeOfEgos wrote:
Kid_Kyoto wrote:A lot of the primarchs names are puns or pop culture references.

Can someone help me fill in the story behind some of their names?

Leman Russ-First appeared in Rogue Trader as an Imperial General who helped found the Space Wolves. I once heard he was named for British tank commander (also explaining the LR tank) but can't confirm. Rus = Viking people who settled in Russia

Rogal Dorn- Rogal = Regal Dorn = Fist (Gaelic)

Roboute Guilliman - I think there was a famous scholar by a similar name, Jacque Gullman or something?

Magnus the Red - Magnus = Mage = Sorcery

Horus-Egyptian hawk headed god. Note, Horus became a one eyed deity (Previously had the sun/lunar reference). Hence the "Eye of Horus"

Lorgar-??? No idea

Magnus is latin for "great" or "big" not mage...

Also peturabo is actually quite a complex one, the root is "peto" meaning "make for or attack" the "ur" indicates a first person passive, and "bo" indicates the future tense, so it comes out as the future passive of "to make for" So it could be "will have been attacked" or more fittingly "about to be attacked", which is fitting for a siege expert.

**kenshin620**

Kid_Kyoto wrote:

Automatically Appended Next Post:

kenshin620 wrote:Also, once again more of a reference, Cadia! Home of some of the best guardsmen of the imperium, regarded as shock troopers

What does Cadia refer to?

Oh come on, the name makes it so obvious

Canada! During the world wars, they were regarded as some of the best shock troops the allies had (along with aussies)

Not to mention that cadia is heavily forested and has glaciers

**Saintspirit**

battle Brother Lucifer wrote:
Saintspirit wrote:
battle Brother Lucifer wrote:
Saintspirit wrote:
Ouze wrote:
fahujaskillz wrote:how about Dante, Mephiston, and Baal from the BA? not only a Diablo reference

Don't get me started on just how much Warhammer Fantasy Battle ripped off World of Warcraft. WoW has dwarves, they gave WHFB dwarves. WoW has Orcs, they gave WHFB orcs (and Orks). They even took a lot of the same classes - WoW has wizards, so WHFB has bright wizards. No shame.

WHFB is essentially one big giant ripoff of WoW and I think Blizzard should sue the pants off of them.

Uhh no its not. Warhammer FB came far earlier than WoW. If anything, it's blizzard that has ripped stuff from gw.

And on a side note: Baal is NOT some kind of devil! He was in fact a fenicial god of fertility and storms. It's most likely the catholics that defiled him, just as they did with so many other gods (such as Poseidons trident turned into the devils).

Sorry for that. But all the church has done makes me angry.

I was referencing that you thought he was being serious about Warhammer ripping from WoW.

Ok. Well, it's quite hard to understand irony when you can't hear the voice, no? And when you haven't seen that comic before.

**Gitzbitah**

What of Nobs?

Not only are they british slang for the manliest part of the body, but it is also an abbreviation of noble. Simultaneously a slam on the nobility, as it equates them to brutes and the manliest part of the body, and is a subtle comment on masculine power structures, as the biggest nob is in charge. Thus, the phallis is the most important quality in a completely male society.

Social commentary from the crudest of the races is priceless.

**Perkustin**

This isn't a pun but is incredibly bad taste. Fabius Bile's Lethal poison is called 'Xyclos' i.e. 'Xyclos needler'. The poison chosen by Nazi's to gas the Jews was called 'Xyclon'. More specifically it was xyclon formula b though this doesn't fit my argument so i am discounting it lol....
Nobz is a corruption of Noble, a reference to how the orks have fallen....

**vorpalhit**

TALLARN - TALIBAN,
but from when they were the goodies in Marbo sorry Rambo as they were blowing up Russians

**BluntmanDC**

Gitzbitah wrote:What of Nobs?

Not only are they british slang for the manliest part of the body, but it is also an abbreviation of noble. Simultaneously a slam on the nobility, as it equates them to brutes and the manliest part of the body, and is a subtle comment on masculine power structures, as the biggest nob is in charge. Thus, the phallis is the most important quality in a completely male society.

Social commentary from the crudest of the races is priceless.

I would actually think nobz comes from the british slang word nob, which refers to a person that is a

, someone likely to be found trying to punch a police officer on a wkd fuelled friday night, as orks grow through violence this makes more sense that being a dig at nobility.

P.S. to all those that don't read the majority of the thread or see all the references, Ouze was joking, the irony could be easily seen (even on the internet) if you just read the very factually incorrect post he was commenting on

**AgeOfEgos**

I'm thinking I should compile this list and add it to the background FAQ.

Lion El'Jonson: Lionel Johnson poet and author of the Dark Angel.

Fulgrim: Latin for shine

Perturabo: Latin 'about to be attacked' also a motto of Devil-worshiper Alister Crowley

Magnus the Red: Latin for large

Jaghatai Khan: Son of Khan

Leman Russ: Rus = The Viking people whom settled Russia

Rogal Dorn: Rogal = Regal Dorn = Fist (Gaelic)

Konrad Curze/Night Haunter-Konrad: Joseph Conrad author of Heart of Darkness (adapted for film as Apocalypse Now), Night Haunter is a take on Batman.

Sanguinius: Latin for Blood.

Ferrus Manus: Latin for Iron Hand

Angron: Angron the ANGRY VERY ANGRY!

Roboute Guilliman: Possible French scholar, Jacque Gullman

Mortarion: Latin for Death

Magnus the Red: Latin for large

Horus: One eyed Egyptian god (Previously two eyes, sun and lunar then lost one)

Lorgar: Perhaps Lore Giver? (Credit Red here)

Vulkan: Roman god of the forge.

Corax: Latin for Raven

Alpharius: Alphie! he's Alphie the Alpha Legionnaire!

Did I miss any?

**Kid_Kyoto**

kenshin620 wrote:
Kid_Kyoto wrote:

Automatically Appended Next Post:

kenshin620 wrote:Also, once again more of a reference, Cadia! Home of some of the best guardsmen of the imperium, regarded as shock troopers

What does Cadia refer to?

Oh come on, the name makes it so obvious

Canada! During the world wars, they were regarded as some of the best shock troops the allies had (along with aussies)

Not to mention that cadia is heavily forested and has glaciers

Funny. I've made jokes about Plastic Canadians before but never knew that Canadians were called Shock Troops.

I always figured it was just a random resemblence. Cheers then to Canadian Shock Troopers!

**AgeOfEgos**

Kid_Kyoto wrote:
AgeOfEgos wrote:Ok, so here's a good one. An internet cookie goes to the winner;

Tie the Emperor, the Aquila and history together. Name the reference (be specific, not just "Roman Eagle")...

2 headed Eagle is the symbol of the Holy Roman Empire that looks east and west.

Ok so my take on it. The Emperor in the old fluff originated from Anatolia (Realms of Chaos). Ancient Anatolia was part of the fertile crescent and is now known as Turkey. Ancient Turkey/Anatolia as described by the Wiki;

Twin-headed eagle and the Turks

The Seljuk Turks emigrating from Central Asia occupied Baghdad in 1055 and Tougrul captured Mosul, and upon returning to Baghdad in 1058 was given the title of the King of the East and West. The Seljuks were even more anxious to have their rule legitimized: seen as aliens they were unpopular with the townsfolk of Persia and Iraq, and Tougrul's investiture by the Caliph in 1058, in a magnificent ceremony during which two crowns were held over his head as symbols of his regal authority over East and West, confirmed that the he now was the Commander of the Faithful. At the time the double-headed eagle became his and the Seljuk state's coat of arms and flag, one head symbolizing the east and the other one symbolizing the west.[citation needed] As the Seljuk Empire's insignia, the twin-headed eagle appears in Turkish coins from 11th century and onwards as well as a number of architectural remains scattered in central and east Anatolia. These architectural remains also depict palm trees under bicephalous eagle as the tree of life, symbolizing peace and prosperity. Seljuk Turkish Sultans' use of references to the east and the west as well as the palm tree of life were inspired by the passages in Quran:

"And the pains of childbirth drove Mary to the trunk of a palm-tree: She cried in her anguish: 'Ah! would that I had died before this! would that I had been a thing forgotten and out of sight!' But (a voice) cried to her from beneath the palm-tree: 'Grieve not! for thy Lord hath provided a rivulet beneath thee. And shake towards thyself the trunk of the palm-tree: It will let fall fresh ripe dates upon thee. So eat and drink and cool thine eye. And if thou dost see any man, say, 'I have vowed a fast to Most Gracious, and this day will I enter into not talk with any human being'. At length she brought the (baby Jesus) to her people, carrying him in her arms. They said: 'O Mary! truly an amazing thing hast thou brought!' (19:23-27) (Moses) said (to the Pharaoh): 'He is the god of the East and the West, and all between; if you only had sense'(28:28) Now I do call to witness the Lord of all points in the East and the West (70:40) (He is) Lord of the East and the West: there is no god but He: take Him therefore for (thy) Disposer of Affairs (73:9)".

Seljuk Turks, led by AlpArslan whose name meant "a valiant lion" and who was the nephew of Tougrul Beg, captured Jerusalem from the Egyptians in 1071, the same year as they entered Anatolia through Manzikert, introducing to the localities the bicephalous eagle standard of Seljuks of Rum (Roma) which transcended to generations from subsequent interface of nations through the crusades.

The ancient two headed Eagle the article refers to;

As a small aside, the Turks hosted a flying NATO combat operation named....The Anatolian Eagle (Birthplace of the Emperor and his symbol!). It was a training operation that comprised of Turkey, US and UK. Little did they know some geek would link that name to his fantasy world.

So there is more than anyone ever cared to know about how some obscure GW writer drew upon his knowledge of history to give birth to the Emperor. *Pushes taped glasses up nose and sniffs*

**Kid_Kyoto**

Some updates

Perturabo: Latin 'about to be attacked' also a motto of Devil-worshiper Alister Crowley

Magnus the Red: Latin for large

**AgeOfEgos**

Kid_Kyoto wrote:Some updates

Perturabo: Latin 'about to be attacked' also a motto of Devil-worshiper Alister Crowley

Magnus the Red: Latin for large

Updated, thanks!

**BloodDrop101X**

Sorry guys but I think Dante is definitly referencing Dantes Inferno First and most fething obivious part of this is his name Dante and whats the type of weapon he is most known for having and using? the Infernus pistol so what does this make combined?...

**AgeOfEgos**

Here's another quiz. There is a 40k special character who has zealous faith....yet his name references a literary crisis of faith. Who is he and what does he reference?

**Brother SRM**

BloodDrop101X wrote:Sorry guys but I think Dante is definitly referencing Dantes Inferno First and most fething obivious part of this is his name Dante and whats the type of weapon he is most known for having and using? the Infernus pistol so what does this make combined?...

This all got clarified about 2-3 pages ago.

The current chapter master of the Imperial fists is Vladmir Pugh. Pugil is Latin for boxer. His name is pretty much exactly "Vladmir Fistfight" which is the best name ever.

**BluntmanDC**

BloodDrop101X wrote:Sorry guys but I think Dante is definitly referencing Dantes Inferno First and most fething obivious part of this is his name Dante and whats the type of weapon he is most known for having and using? the Infernus pistol so what does this make combined?...

apart from one poster who doesn't understand the passage of time everyone is agreed on this as the thread has shown

AgeOfEgos wrote:Here's another quiz. There is a 40k special character who has zealous faith....yet his name references a literary crisis of faith. Who is he and what does he reference?

chaplain cassius is probably a reference to a few saints with the same name

**Nurglitch**

Let's not get started on the names of various Chaos Lords. They're all variations on the devil. Ahriman, Typhon, Abbaddon, Kharn, and Shining "Heeeeeere's Lucius!".

It's like: "Okay, we definitely want to recruit the kid whose parents named him Satan Killington the III."

**BloodDrop101X**

Oops sorry again guys stupid me I clicked on #4 instead of #2

**AgeOfEgos**

BluntmanDC wrote:

AgeOfEgos wrote:Here's another quiz. There is a 40k special character who has zealous faith....yet his name references a literary crisis of faith. Who is he and what does he reference?

chaplain cassius is probably a reference to a few saints with the same name

Nope.

Another hint; This guy is sure grand.

**BluntmanDC**

Nurglitch wrote:Let's not get started on the names of various Chaos Lords. They're all variations on the devil. Ahriman, Typhon, Abbaddon, Kharn, and Shining "Heeeeeere's Lucius!".

It's like: "Okay, we definitely want to recruit the kid whose parents named him Satan Killington the III."

ahriman is a contraction of Angra Mainyu meaning destructive spirit (predates the christian'muslim idea of the Devil)
typhon is the final son of gaia and as such an acient greek monster (not the devil), the name of the character typhus relates to the disease
lucius is a roman name, and could refer to the play Titus Andronicus as he is the only character that survives, a nod to his abilities

abaddon is the only real reference to the Devil

**reds8n**

Nurglitch wrote:
It's like: "Okay, we definitely want to recruit the kid whose parents named him Satan Killington the III."

You do wonder about the self fulfilling prophecy at times.

The front cover of the previous WoC book featured "Engra Deathsword". Now if you're parents call you that there's not really a lot else you can be other than a chaos champion is there ?

Engra Deathsword : family bakers just don't sound right, although I hear their cupcakes are hellishly good.

**Kroothawk**

Praetorians -> Pretoria (capital of South Africa for 40k colonial British Army)
Magnus=Great /= Magus=Mage
Necrons (Necro greek prefix meaning death, for 40k Undead)
C'tan (pronounced Satan)
Lelith Hesperax (Lilith infamous first wife of Adam in Hebrew tradition)
Khaine (Cain from the bible)
mon-keigh (Eldar for all lesser races incl. humans, pronounced monkey)
Craftworld Biel Tan (Beltaine Celtic feast, predecessor of Eastern)
Craftworld Saim Han (Samhain Celtic feast, predecessor of Halloween)
Sly Marbo (Sly nickname of Sylvester Stallone, Marbo anagram for Rambo)

About 70% of all German names in 40k and Warhammer, giving headaches to German readers. Examples:
1.) Warhammer demon Tzanarzt (not sure about the spelling -> sounds like German word for dentist!)
2.) Death Korps of Krieg (misspelled Kreig by 80% of English speakers) Krieg German for War
3.) Worst example are Bloodbowl novels: Horse called "Pferd" (horse), teacher named "Lehrer" (teacher), annoying female journalist called "Laestiges Weibchen" (=annoying female)

A collection of more info can be found here:
http://web.archive.org/web/20071125132841/http://ca.geocities.com/crazy40kguy/namesandhomages.html
(add http://web.archive.org/web/20071125132841/ to the front of all links, some may not work)

**kronk**

AgeOfEgos wrote:
BluntmanDC wrote:

AgeOfEgos wrote:Here's another quiz. There is a 40k special character who has zealous faith....yet his name references a literary crisis of faith. Who is he and what does he reference?

chaplain cassius is probably a reference to a few saints with the same name

Nope.

Another hint; This guy is sure grand.

Thousand Sons Chapter Master Ahriman?

**AgeOfEgos**

kronk wrote:
AgeOfEgos wrote:
BluntmanDC wrote:

AgeOfEgos wrote:Here's another quiz. There is a 40k special character who has zealous faith....yet his name references a literary crisis of faith. Who is he and what does he reference?

chaplain cassius is probably a reference to a few saints with the same name

Nope.

Another hint; This guy is sure grand.

Thousand Sons Chapter Master Ahriman?

Nope.

Another hint; This guy is certainly judgmental.

**Hückleberry**

From the Imperial Guard codex. Sergeant Bastone = Gunny Sgt. John Basilone. The only Marine to win the Medal of Honor and Navy Cross during WW2. Remembered for his heroic stand on Gudalcanal and reenlisting only to die on the first day of Iwo Jima.

**themocaw**

Hückleberry wrote:From the Imperial Guard codex. Sergeant Bastone = Gunny Sgt. John Basilone. The only Marine to win the Medal of Honor and Navy Cross during WW2. Remembered for his heroic stand on Gudalcanal and reenlisting only to die on the first day of Iwo Jima.

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

More likely it's a reference to this instead.