Google Answers Logo
View Question
 
Q: IM slang / L3375P34K - WTF is "sampfag"? ( Answered,   1 Comment )
Question  
Subject: IM slang / L3375P34K - WTF is "sampfag"?
Category: Computers > Internet
Asked by: ubanfrau-ga
List Price: $10.00
Posted: 03 Feb 2003 09:13 PST
Expires: 05 Mar 2003 09:13 PST
Question ID: 156759
What is the meaning and linguistic origin of the Instant Messaging /
L3375P34K slang term "sampfag"?  Frequently seen usage:  "stfu
sampfag".

To be accepted, the answer must:
(1) be posted in current American English.
(2) include a quote in original context from a native speaker.
(3) include the history and etymology of the term. 

Thanks!
Answer  
Subject: Re: IM slang / L3375P34K - WTF is "sampfag"?
Answered By: sycophant-ga on 04 Feb 2003 03:23 PST
 
Hi Ubanfrau, 

I was a little stumped on this one, I couldn't figure it out despite
many wasted hours playing Counter Stike, and even more wasted years on
IRC. However, it became obvious when I read austin_trill's comment
below, and did a little more searching.

The term is derived from Chris Coutt's Romeo and Juliet - a l33t
translation of Shakespear's Romeo and Juliet:
http://www.comedyconvoy.com/flash/romjul.swf

It is the second line delivered in the first act, and it meant to
paraphrase the conversation between Gregory and Sampson, and is a
derogatory reference to Sampson by Gregory and could be expanded as:
“Shut the f*** up, Sampson, you fag”. It should be noted that fag,
used in a l33t sense, means literally 'homosexual', although is not
necessarily indicative of any real homophobic feelings beyond the
acceptance of the term as an insult.

Therefore the expression “STFU Sampfag” is more or less a literary
quote, rather than an actual word. It has no real meaning beyond it's
existence as a quote from this Flash movie, which is widely known
within the l33t community.

However, the term now seems to have entered common usage as a
generally insulting term for a dumb or boasting person. This is
similar to the way people use character names from popular tales to
describe people (eg. Don Juan, Casanova, Forrest) – it is used to
exemplify characteristics in it's targets that are taken from the
context of it's namesake.

For examples of this, see the following pages:
(Some mature language is likely to be found in the following links)
http://kwk.ausfortress.com/article.php?sid=11
http://www.spider-gene.com/

There are a few other examples that I will not link to, simply because
of excessive difficulty in really reading them, or because they are
surrounded by unrelated things, but you get the idea.

--------------------

The actual passage it is paraphrasing is this:

Gregory.
The quarrel is between our masters and us their men.

Sampson.
'Tis all one, I will show myself a tyrant:
when I have fought with the men I will be cruel with the maids,
I will cut off their heads.

Gregory.
The heads of the maids?

Sampson.
Ay, the heads of the maids, or their maidenheads;
take it in what sense thou wilt.

Gregory.
They must take it in sense that feel it.

Sampson.
Me they shall feel while I am able to stand:
and 'tis known I am a pretty piece of flesh.

Gregory.
'Tis well thou art not fish; if thou hadst,
thou hadst been poor-John.--Draw thy tool;
Here comes two of the house of Montagues.
 
(Source: http://www.ibiblio.org/gutenberg/etext98/2ws1610.txt – Romeo
and Juliet from Project Gutenberg)

--------------------

I hope this answers your question, and I thank you for giving me an
excusing to watch that Flash movie again. :)

Regards,
sycophant-ga

Request for Answer Clarification by ubanfrau-ga on 04 Feb 2003 06:48 PST
Hi Sycophant!  Thanks for taking up the challenge.  I adore the "Tales
for the L33T" flash movie, but I'm not so sure that is the origin of
the term.  It seems that I've seen it used long before that?

Anyway, I have an email in to Chris Coutts.  We'll see whether he
takes credit for inventing "sampfag".  If he does, or you can find
dates that show this as the oldest appearance of the word, I'll close
the question.

I'll be ecstatic if this turns out to be Shakespearean in origin.

Clarification of Answer by sycophant-ga on 04 Feb 2003 10:49 PST
I tried to date it myself, but I wasn't able to find a reliable source
that could date the Tales for the l33t.

Given the context, I am fairly confident that it originates from Tales
For The L33t, but I guess we won't know for sure until you hear from
Chris.

I am looking forward to his reply also...

Cheers,
sycophant-ga
Comments  
Subject: Re: IM slang / L3375P34K - WTF is "sampfag"?
From: austin_trill-ga on 03 Feb 2003 23:00 PST
 
It appeared to get popularized in the flash movie located at
http://www.comedyconvoy.com/flash/romjul.swf , which is a '1337'
version of Romeo and Juliet.  Where it came from before that seems to
be unclear.  It's probably a deliberate typo - but for what I have no
idea!

Important Disclaimer: Answers and comments provided on Google Answers are general information, and are not intended to substitute for informed professional medical, psychiatric, psychological, tax, legal, investment, accounting, or other professional advice. Google does not endorse, and expressly disclaims liability for any product, manufacturer, distributor, service or service provider mentioned or any opinion expressed in answers or comments. Please read carefully the Google Answers Terms of Service.

If you feel that you have found inappropriate content, please let us know by emailing us at answers-support@google.com with the question ID listed above. Thank you.
Search Google Answers for
Google Answers  


Google Home - Answers FAQ - Terms of Service - Privacy Policy