[Callers] Advice about "gypsy"

[Richard Fischer via Callers]

I have a suggestion for a new word to replace "gypsy."  My word is "bine" and I derive it from "binary stars" which, especially if they are of similar mass, circle each other as in our dance move. I consulted with an astrophysicist friend, who told me that under certain circumstances binary stars may be "tidally locked," that is, facing each other as they orbit about each other. (Our moon is tidally locked, but in the earth-moon case it's not a mutual thing.)

"Bine" can be used as a verb and a noun, it's one syllable and easy to say, and its etymology is known. (And some dancers might enjoy the image). 

As others have said, I too have appreciated this thoughtful discussion. It is hard to know when to retire an established term that has been used without intention to offend anyone, but I know many of us are considering doing so. So I thought I'd put my suggestion out there.

Richard

On Oct 25, 2015, at 12:49 AM, Amy Wimmer via Callers wrote:

> Thank you, everyone, for your thoughtful replies. I have a much better
> idea how to respond to this person now. I also have some changes to
> make in my calling. I appreciate the education and elucidation.
> Ignorance is not bliss.
> 
> I think that, for now, I will do my best to eliminate the word "gypsy"
> from my calling vocabulary. The problem will come with dance names,
> such as "Amy Asked for a Gypsy," which was one of two dances I called
> last night that had a ladies gypsy. I will also refrain from
> suggesting flirtation, as that is uncomfortable for many.
> 
> Ah, the joys of growing as a person and a caller!
> 
> -Amy
> 
>> On Oct 24, 2015, at 2:31 PM, via Callers <callers at lists.sharedweight.net> wrote:
>> 
>> 
>> 
>> 
>> Sent from my iPad
>>> On 24 Oct 2015, at 19:52, Richard Hart via Callers <callers at lists.sharedweight.net> wrote:
>>> 
>>> I always describe a gypsy as being just like a dos à dos, but face to
>>> face, instead of back to back.
>> 
>> This might be problematic for ECD dancers as Fried de Metz Herman "invented" this figure. It is basically it is a reverse back to back ( dos-si-do), i.e. fall back past partner (neighbour) right shoulder, step right and walk forward to place.
>> 
>> As mentioned, in square dancing you have a walk around corner/partner. This is to all intents and purposes is a gypsy.
>> 
>> Graham
>> _______________________________________________
>> Callers mailing list
>> Callers at lists.sharedweight.net
>> http://lists.sharedweight.net/listinfo.cgi/callers-sharedweight.net
> _______________________________________________
> Callers mailing list
> Callers at lists.sharedweight.net
> http://lists.sharedweight.net/listinfo.cgi/callers-sharedweight.net