Words by

Nanna Árnadóttir

@nannaarnadottir

Photo by

RMM

@BrianErler Well, they are names, in Icelandic. Given to Icelandic people, usually at birth. #DontAskNanna

— Nanna Árnadóttir (@NannaArnadottir) June 2, 2016

Hey Nanna,

I have a coworker who’s been calling me Pungur as a nickname – he means it as a term of endearment but I’ll be honest with you it annoys the shit out of me. Also – it’s kind of offensive.

Pungur

Hey Pungur,

Well clearly what he should have been calling you all this time is Píka because you’re nothing but a wimped out puss. You are the product of our rampantly sensitive, grossly politically correct society.

When I was a young man growing up in 40’s we dealt with our problems with our knuckles like real men – now everyone’s using catchphrases like Toxic Masculinity and expecting me to understand what that means but I’m deeply fearful of change that threatens my white male privilege.

Are you one of those male feminists? I bet you are. You don’t deserve to be called Pungur, which is a MAN’S word, for MEN.

Nanna

Hey Nanna,

I have a sneaking suspicion that the Icelandic Naming Committee will reject the name my partner and I picked out for our daughter – Arya. I can’t find it on the name register, but I’m not Icelandic, only my partner is – should I have to adhere to these rules just because she’ll be born here?!

Bun In The Oven

Hey Bun In The Oven,

A girl has no name.

Nanna