Noa-name
A non-taboo synonym used to avoid bad luck.
A noa-name is a substitute term used in place of a taboo word, typically because speaking the original name is believed to risk angering or summoning the entity it refers to. The word comes from the Polynesian concept of *noa*, which is the opposite of *tapu* (the source of the English word "taboo") and is used to remove the sacred restriction from a person or object. While often compared to a euphemism, a noa-name has a more precise meaning: it is a non-taboo synonym chosen to prevent bad luck, replacing a name considered hazardous. The replacement can be harmless, flattering, or even accusatory.
For example, in Germanic languages, the original word for 'bear' was replaced by a noa-name meaning 'brown', leading to forms like Swedish *björn*, English *bear* and *bruin*, German *Bär*, and Dutch *beer*. In Finnish, several noa-names exist for *karhu* (bear), used to avoid calling the animal directly and thus attracting it; *karhu* itself is a noa-name, replacing the older words *otso* or *ohto*. In Swedish, *ulv* ('wolf') was replaced by *varg* ('stranger'), and the hearth spirits called *tomte* (similar to a Scottish brownie or Cornish pixie) were referred to as *nisse*, meaning 'dear little relatives'. In Irish folklore, the fairies known as *sidhe* are often called 'the little people' or 'the good people'. The Icelandic term *huldufólk* translates to 'the hidden people' and refers to supernatural beings otherwise known as *álfar* (elves). In English, the Devil has been given names like 'Old Nick' or 'Mr. Scratch' to avoid drawing his attention through his actual name. In Greek legend, the Erinyes (the Furies, spirits of revenge) were commonly called the Eumenides ('the benevolent ones'), and Hades, god of the underworld, was often referred to with euphemisms such as *Ploútōn* ('the wealthy one') to avoid attracting his notice. The commandment "Thou shalt not take the name of the Lord thy God in vain" reflects this practice in Abrahamic religions; Anglophone Christians often use "the Lord" instead, similar to the Latin *Dominus*. In Jewish culture, speaking the name of God (represented as YHWH) is forbidden, so the noa-names *adonai* ('my lord') or *HaShem* ('the Name') are used. To avoid negative associations with the left side and left-handedness, most Romance languages adopted noa-names instead of the Latin *sinister*: for example, French *gauche*, Spani
- field
- Linguistics, cultural anthropology
- known_for
- Replacing taboo words to avoid summoning or angering supernatural forces
- origin
- Polynesian concept of Noa (antonym of Tapu)
- related_concepts
- Euphemism, avoidance speech, apotropaic names
Lore & Background
Noa-names appear across many cultures and languages. In the Germanic languages, the word for 'bear' was replaced with a noa-name meaning 'brown', the Proto-Germanic *berô, with descendants including Swedish björn, English bear and bruin, German Bär and Dutch beer. In Finnish, there are several noa-names for karhu (bear), used instead of calling the animal by its name and inadvertently attracting its attention. The word karhu itself is a noa-name, to avoid using the original words otso or ohto. In Swedish, the word ulv ('wolf') was replaced by varg ('stranger'). The spirits of the hearth, tomte, were known as nisse, 'dear little relatives'.
Reader's Guide
Noa-names illustrate a widespread human strategy for managing perceived supernatural danger through language. By substituting a taboo word with a safer synonym, speakers seek to avoid attracting the attention of dangerous beings or forces. The term itself comes from the Polynesian concept of Noa, which lifts the tapu (taboo) from a person or object. Examples range from the Germanic replacement of the bear's original name with a color term, to the Irish sidhe being called 'the little people,' to the Jewish use of Adonai or HaShem in place of the divine name YHWH. In Greek legend, the Erinyes were called the Eumenides ('the benevolent ones'), and Hades was referred to as Ploútōn ('the wealthy one'). Even left-handedness was avoided in Romance languages by borrowing noa-names to replace Latin sinister. The practice underscores how language can be shaped by belief, fear, and the desire for protection.
Did You Know?
- The term noa-name derives from the Polynesian concept of Noa, the antonym of Tapu (taboo).
- In Finnish, the word karhu (bear) is itself a noa-name, replacing the original words otso or ohto.
- In Jewish culture, the noa-name Adonai ('my lord') or HaShem ('the Name') is used instead of the divine name YHWH.
- The Devil has been referred to by noa-names such as 'Old Nick' and 'Mr. Scratch' in English.
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