‘Griffin-Gate’ has been on the forefront of our minds for a number of weeks now and has even spread as far as Wagga Wagga. Early this week, ABC Riverina invited me to join their morning program to discuss the matter, which had, as I understand, been the subject of debate all morning.
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I spoke with presenter, Anne Delaney, and she put me in touch with linguist, Dr Kate Burridge from Monash University.
And, while mayor John Dal Broi’s choice, ‘Griffithite’, has been a clear favourite in the polls, I asked Dr Burridge for a more definitive answer to the question that has been plaguing Griffos for weeks.
“On my quest to come up with some terms, I’ve discovered a new word – demonym is the word for the residents of a place (and which is derived from the name of that particular place),” Dr Burridge said.
“Going by some of the more usual endings (and there are many of them), the demonyms I like for Griffith are:
- Griffithite (Mayor John Dal Broi’s choice);
- Griffithois(e);
- Griffithasque;
- Griffithensian;
- Griffithanian;
- Griffithard;
- Griffithonian;
- Griffithnese; and
- Griffithvian
“I think my favourites though are Griffithois(e), Griffithonian, and Griffithanian.”
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After receiving this, what I would call, ‘revelation’ from a professional, I decided to create a new poll for our readers.
Though I’ve been on the fence for a while regarding this issue, I think I can accept the ruling from both our mayor, John Dal Broi and Dr Burridge on ‘Griffithite’. To be perfectly honest, however, I do take a particular liking to ‘Griffithasque’, which has a sort of medieval ring to it.
This news may come as a shock or disappointment to some – I imagine riots in the street, particularly from people like The Area News’ former editor, Daniel Johns, who was backing ‘Griffithian’ – quite the tongue-twister.
But, having now heard Dr Burridge naming and confirming ‘Griffithite’ as a legitimate option, I wonder if that’s the name us Griffos should adopt and wear with pride.
Still unsure? Vote in my new poll. I want to know which name you fancy most from Dr Burridge’s findings.