yors-truly - Tumblr blog

yors-truly · 1 year ago

Text

Bug World No Mercy: Naming Systems in the Bug Kingdoms

Before we proceed: I want to note that with all of the names listed, they can also be translated into other languages and it will still suffice as a name for the bug.

For example: If you translate “Leaf” into Spanish, “Hoja”, it will still be a valid name because of the word it was translated from. So without further ado:

Slugs of the Garth/Timberland

Before the Great Division Of Slug Country, the Slugs all had the same naming system.

Their names typically followed things associated with nature, wild-grown fruits, trees, leaves, plants, etc.

When the Slugs of the Garth formed their empire, they took on names associated with things you might find in a garden:

Fruits: Banana, Watermelon, Berry

Vegetables: Cucumber, Spud, Carrot

Nuts: Pistachio, Pecan

Legumes: Chickpea, String Bean

Flowers: Lily, Daffodil, Aster

When the Slugs of the Timberland stayed in the forest, they retained many of their old names, pre-division. These were names that associated with things found in the forest:

Bodies of water: Creek, Lake

Wild-grown fruits: Gumnut, Aronia

Trees: Pine, Birch

Plants: Fern, Ivy

Words relating to the forest: Woodland, Bosky

There are, however, “ grey area” names that arose after the division of Slug Country, as these names related to things that are present in both gardens and in nature:

Strawberry, Nectar, Apple, and Honey are some examples of these names

However, a slug can actually have a quote attached to them, created for themselves and by themselves.

Slugs of a high rank - Such as royalty, scholars, guards, advisors, etc.- are the only ones who can acquire a quote, according to Slug Law

These names can take a while to create, think of it like a thesis

High rank slugs must spend a year outlining, rough drafting, and finalizing their quote

This process also includes a month spent out in the forest to be alone with their thoughts

Trusted scholars are tasked with teaching upcoming high ranks multiple lessons of how to craft the perfect quote for themselves

The name itself must remind the others of that particular slug.

Example: “For what is the weakling slug, if they had moistened the soil into mulch, with the flesh of their enemies.” aka (Queen) Mulch.

These quote titles originated from the beginning of the Slug Country, thousands and thousands of years ago. The two warring sides of the previously known Slug Country have retained these types of names since then.

Cockroach Kingdom

Due to the Cockroach Kingdom's closeness to the humans and their society, they've taken on names that have to do with general products of human society, such as:

Human-made objects: Fork, Knife, Wire, Trash Can

Food/Drinks: Pizza, Soda, Hamburger

Buildings: Apartment, Prison, Greenhouse

The domestication of rats and pigeons by the Cockroach Kingdom is one that dates back thousands of years, theorized to be even before the Great Division of Slug Country. This led to titles pertaining to “Pest Tamers”, as the bugs call it, to be created:

Cockroaches that handle rats are given the title “Rat Tamer” before their name

On the other hand, cockroaches that handle pigeons are given the title “Pigeon Master” before their name

Hammerheads of the Gastropods (Hammerhead Worms)

Hammerhead Worm names generally follow a "4-part rule", going as such: Sir/Madame Gastro- (Given Birth Name) -Pod.

For shortening reasons, one may call a Hammerhead Slug: Sir/Madame (Given Name), Gastro-(Given Name), or (Given Name)-Pod.

Example: Madame Gastro-Grate-Pod,

Or: Madame Grate, Gastro-Grate, Grate-Pod

In Hammerhead Worm society, it is considered incredibly rude and disrespectful to only refer to one by only their Given Birth Name.

These Given Birth Names will typically be based off of:

The Hammerhead’s physical appearance: Mottle, Splotch, Stripe, Brindle

Physical actions: Scrape, Drag, Grate, Clutch, Trek, Smear

Believed to be the second oldest bug kingdom to perfect “Pest Taming”, Hammerhead Worms classify themselves into small categories, based upon the bird that acts as their steed:

Example: Robin Jockey, Finch Jockey

Moth Citadel

Moths are typically named after:

Organic materials that they eat: Cloth, Shirt, Hair, Blanket, Wool, Silk

Dark-themed words: Dim, Dull, Shade, Bleak

Moths also have a secondary part to their name.

Depending on what stage of the moon they were born under, that will serve as their last name.

For example: Blanket Waxing Crescent.

These last names fall under "Moon Families", although not every moth in the same Moon Family is related to each other.

Cicada Burrow

Since Cicada society puts lots of emphasis on a past life that a cicada has had, their names reflect such beliefs.

Cicada names include their current life's name alongside their previous life's name: (Current life’s name); Once-(Previous life’s name)

Cicada names are typically based around:

Types of trees: Redwood, Oak, Sycamore

Noises: Hum, Buzz, Bang

Words relating to plants/roots: Pith, Root, Stem

Nectar/Juices/Saps: Phloem, Mango Nectar, Apple Juice

An example of this would be: Sycamore; Once-Lily Nectar

Beetle Dynasty

Due to the dynasty's heavy emphasis on being defensively strong and armory, their names are ones that sound very heavy/strong/sturdy. This includes

Minerals/Gems: Titanium, Talc, Calcite

Trees/Words relating to trees: Lumber, Branch, Redwood

Words relating to rocks: Sedimentary, Boulder, Cobble

Metals: Cobalt, Copper, Steel

Example: Titanium, Sedimentary, Talc, Lumber

Beetles within the nation may also be granted a special title alongside their name. Usually connecting with a specific achievement

Special Title Example: Tungsten the Artificer, Strata the Batslayer

Worm Empire

Due to their entire empire (and association) being within the dirt, Worms take on names that have something to do with the earth

They can be based off of minerals in the dirt: Sulfur, Dolomite

The types of dirt: Peat, Clay

Shades of brown: Umber, Beige

Tools used to dig up the earth: Trowel, Shovel

Words connected to digging and moving around: Wriggle/Wriggling, Tunnel/Tunneling

The leader of the Worm Empire has the title of "Earth Master"

Worms who forage for food are given the title of "Processor"

Example: "Earth Master Excavator" “Processor Bronze”

Butterfly Pavilion

The butterflies take great pride in their appearance and beauty, so it's only fitting that their names reflect that. Many of their names are based on:

Colors: Blue, Amber, Aqua

Positive adjectives: Handsome, Bright, Clever

Flowers: Dahlia, Zinnia, Allium

Words/sounds associated with birds: Whir, Caw, Vane

Bird species: Robin, Hawk, Condor

When born, the caterpillars have their names prefaced with "Beautiful Sprout" and will keep this title until they form into a cocoon.

Upon emerging, the butterfly leaves behind their Beautiful Sprout title

Higher ranking butterflies can gain the title of Weathervane, alongside the number at which they rank at within the group of 10 Weathervanes

They can “rank up” whenever the Weathervane ahead of them retires, dies, or is overthrown

Example: 4th Weathervane Caw

Fly Cluster

Unlike the other bug kingdoms, flies don’t have an actual kingdom due to their nature to roam around and eat things that many bugs wouldn’t even eat as a last resort. However, despite this vagabond-esque culture and lack of a “proper kingdom”, the flies still have a system of names, typically based off of:

Death-related words: Corpse, Carrion, Muerte

Fungus and fungus genus names: Cordyceps, Lion’s Mane, Mucor

Bacteria and viruses: Shigella, Rabies

Words relating to decomposition: Decay, Rot, Spoil

Spider Province

Though spiders have a wide array of naming systems that pertain to their kingdom, often you’ll find specific patterns in their names. Some names have a bit to do with their proximity with humans. You’ll find spiders named after:

Carnivorous plants: Sundew, Butterwort

Words relating to crafting: Concoct, Forge

Words relating to thread spinning: Intertwine, Weave, Spindle

Quiet noises: Mumble, Whisper, Hum, Hush

Clothes: Shirt, Jacket, Sweatshirt, Shoe(s)

Something to note is that all spiders, no matter their age, will have the title of “Mandrel” due to their natural web-spinning capabilities being compared to the likes of that specific weaving tool.

Example: Spindle the Mandrel

Pillbug Domain

This kingdom of small, armored bugs puts lots of emphasis onto their outer exterior. So it’s only natural that their names reflect such cultural importance in one’s outside shell. Pillbugs will typically be named after:

Outer casing and frameworks: Shell, Chassis, Pod, Hull

Words related to spinning/fast movement: Spin, Bowl, Twist, Sweep

Metals: Aluminum, Steel

Trees/Words relating to trees: Redwood, Oak, Palm, Timber

Nuts: Walnut, Cashew, Pistachio

The Pillbug Domain’s high ranking bugs will sport the title of “Lord Pill” or “Lady Pill”.

Example: Lord Pill Swing

Something that you might notice is that many of the names of the Pillbug Domain are similar to the Beetle Dynasty’s names. This is because at some point, the Pillbug Domain was a part of the Beetle Dynasty, however would later on separate from the kingdom due to the Pillbug Lord disagreeing with many of the other leaders.

Dragonfly Lair

Dragonflies have names that they take great pride in, much like butterflies or cockroaches. Unless you are a close familiar, they demand that you refer to them as their full name or don’t refer to them at all. They carry names based on:

Positive adjectives: Courage, Brave, Gentle, Wise, Wisdom, Lionheart

Quick words: Whip, Snap, Zoom, Swift, Curt

Birds: Robin, Hawk, Falcon

In some rare cases, however, a dragonfly may be named after an old ruler from Europe. This is rarely the case, however. But it’s unknown to the bugs - including the Dragonflies themselves- how exactly knowledge of these European rulers became known.

Dragonfly society consists of a sibling monarchy and 2-4 advisors

The monarch dragonflies are born with the title “Eye-snatcher”

The advisor dragonflies are given the title “Lecture-wing”

Example: Eye-snatcher Ambition, Lecture-wing Sparrow

The Mosquito Flock

A kingdom that has functionally become a society that advocates for the death of the individual through hunting the sweet nectar of human blood. The Mosquito Flock carries many names based on:

Blood diseases: Sickle Cell, Anemia

Blood-related words: Ichor, Hemoglobin, Hematic

Drinking-related words: Sip, Guzzle, Swig

Eating-related words: Feast, Consume, Ingest

Words relating to a mosquito being killed: Slap, Swipe, Thwack

Bodies of water or general water-related words: Lake, Ocean, Puddle

Mosquito society has in place a title that all mosquitos must call each other by: Brother, Sister, and Sibling.

This holds a symbolic meaning, as mosquitoes believe they are all united as a “family”, it does not mean that they are all related to each other.

Firefly Faction

Due to the relatively unknown society of the firefly faction, it proved to be difficult to record their types of names for a while. Until now. Typically, a Firefly will be named after:

Fire and heat related words: Flame, Burn

Light related words: Sunshine, Spark, Day

Shine related words: Glimmer, Flicker

Quick motions: Flutter, Blink, Wink

The Ant Colonies

Ant colonies typically do not name their ants, except for some exceptions.

There are head ants in the colony that serve as managers for the different ant ranks, Lieutenant (Head Soldier), Director (Head Worker), and Head Rationer, the latter of which is responsible for what food comes into the colony.

The Head Ant names consist of a First and Last name that:

sounds violent and/or is linked with organs and bones

Example: Lieutenant Snap Neck, Director Rip Molar, and Head Rationer Flesh Maim

In ant colonies, there are also secondary ranks to the main three:

Soldiers: Watcher, Scout

Workers: Constructor, Brood Guard

Rationers: Food Guard, Chef

To each of these ranks, there is typically a single leading ant (Although more than one isn’t uncommon in bigger colonies). These leading secondary ants share the same last name as the head ant of their main rank, and will have their name prefaced with “Lead”:

For example, a Leading Constructor ant who works under an ant named “Director Rip Molar” will be named: Lead Constructor Stab Molar

Meanwhile, the rest of the ants do not have any names given to them, they are typically referred to as their rank, whether they’re Soldiers, Workers, Rationers, or any of the secondary ranks.

Regular ants can however be referred to and refer to each other as their designated rank (Food Guard, Watcher, etc.)

Drones are typically only referred to as Drones, but ants from the same colony and queen as a drone ant will sometimes refer to him as “Drone Brother”

The Queen Ant will have a violent sounding name, although not one that is formatted like the Head or Leading Ant's

The Queen's name will be prefaced by "Mother" and the name itself may be based off of:

Weapons: Sword, Sling, Crossbow

Torture methods: Keelhauling, Giridrion

Causes of death: Drown, Burn, Blunt Force

Violent words: Maim, Snap, Rip, Gnash

Organs/Bones: Tibia, Tooth, Stomach

An example of this is: "Queen Mother Macerate II" or “Queen Mother Gnash”

The Bees of the Hive

Though hundreds of beehives reside close to each other, all of differing histories, they all generally share the same types of names. Much like the Ant Colonies, Bee Hives have three main ranks: Lieutenant (Head Soldier), Director (Head Worker), and Head Rationer. Alongside that, they have secondary ranks:

Soldiers: Watcher

Workers: Constructor, Brood Guard, Greenskeeper

Rationers: Food Guard, Chef

However, unlike the Ant Colonies, Head/Lead bees don’t have first and last names, only first names. Their names will be based around:

Flowers: Wisteria, Oleander

Jams/preserves: Strawberry Jam, Apricot Preserves

Herbs/Teas: Chamomile, Earl Grey, Mint

Fruits: Apricot, Avocado

Descriptions of their personality: Wonderful, Humble

Regular bees are not actually properly named, instead, they are categorized by their hive's abbreviated name, their rank, and a designated number.

So for example, a drone bee from the Southern Creek Bound hive would be named: SCB-Drone-1033.

The Queen of the hive is given a proper name once she rises to the rank and successfully destroys her competitors. Like the Head and Leading bees, Queens can be named after:

Flowers

Jams/preserves

Herbs/Teas

Fruits

Descriptions of their personality

The queen bee's name is formatted as, "Queen (Name) of the (Hive name abbreviation(if needed)) Dynasty".

A queen's name may be something like: Queen Mango Jam of the SC Dynasty

The Wasp Swarms

Wasps share some of the same name aspects as both the bees and ants. Wasps have three main ranks like the bees and the ants: Workers, Soldiers, and Rationers.

And like with the bee and ant kingdoms, there are lead wasps for each main rank: Lieutenant (Head Soldier), Director (Head Worker), and Head Rationer.

With those ranks comes secondary ranks:

Soldiers: Watcher

Workers: Constructor, Brood Guard, Greenskeeper

Rationers: Food Guard, Chef

Just like ants and bees, leading secondary ranking wasps will have the title of Lead prefacing their names. Like bee society, wasps don’t have both first and last names, only a first name. These names will be based off of:

Quick actions: Dart, Strike, Jab

Fruits: Pear, Plum

Weapons: Machete, Hammer

Example: Lead Brood Guard Jab, Lieutenant Razor

The rest of the wasps don't have proper names: They are named after the sectors that they are hatched in and what rank they fill

Alongside that, wasps will have the name of the queen they were born under as part of their identification

For example: Battle Queen (Name), Sector F Soldier

Regular wasps can, however, be referred to as/refer to others as “(Sector) (Rank) Sister” or simply just “Sister”. While drones will be referred to as “(Sector) (Rank) Drone” or simply just “Drone”

Example: Sector A Sister, Sector E Drone

Just like the Head and Lead wasps, the Queen Wasp(s) will have names based off of:

Quick actions

Fruits

Weapons

Their name will also be prefaced by "Battle"

Example: Battle Queen Prickly Pear III, Battle Queen Mangosteen

42 notes · View notes