A Lincoln man with a fascination for “how we play with words and names” has created a colloquial map of Lincolnshire featuring affectionate and silly nicknames, including Stincoln, Granthrax, Slapding and Cleggy.
Topher Agar, 36, graduated from the University of Lincoln with a degree in Linguistics in 2005 and now works as a receptionist in the city.
During lockdown he started work on his latest project – the colloquial map of Lincolnshire – which is still ongoing and he wants to make it as comprehensive as possible.
To create it and to meet map inclusion criteria, Topher said names had to be used in various media in a natural context, such as ‘It’s a beautiful day here in (nickname)’.
Here’s the map so far in full. Please note some place nicknames include strong language.
A colloquial map of Lincolnshire created by Topher Agar.
Topher is still looking for help with finding nicknames for other towns and some smaller villages, including Brigg, Waltham, Barton, North Hykeham, Holbeach, Winterton, Keelby, Laceby, Caistor, Broughton, Kirton in Lindsey, Market Rasen, Crowle, Scampton, Colsterworth and Burgh le Marsh.
He told The Lincolnite: “I studied Linguistics, so I have a fascination for how we play with words and names. I had a focus on socio-linguistics too, so how different groups in society use language differently was also right up my alley.
“I am personally familiar with a couple of the nicknames and subsequently wondered if all other towns and villages had them.
“Upon some light scratching I found all the main centres did indeed have at least one more or less ‘established’ nickname.
“Then with deeper scratching, joining local forums and Facebook groups, it turned out pretty much every village had some colloquial way to refer to it.
“The nicknames are often ephemeral and very often restricted to certain demographics.”
Topher is hoping locals in Lincolnshire can help him fill in any missing pieces and complete the map, saying the feedback has been “largely positive so far”.
Topher Agar studied Linguistics in his hometown at the University of Lincoln.
He added: “It’s been lovely seeing people come together and share what names they’ve heard in various forums.
“Occasionally someone will maintain with absolutism something like “I’ve lived here 25 years and literally no-one has ever said that nickname”. Then someone else typically comes along and says “Well I’ve lived here for several years and we always say it”.
“It is essentially highlighting how unaware we can be of the diverse groups in our towns and how different people use different language.
“There are still some villages missing, which I’m sure have nicknames, so if you know of any that aren’t on the map please let me know.”
Anyone who believes they can help fill in any extra or missing nicknames on the map can contact Topher via email at [email protected] or on Facebook.
In his spare time, Topher enjoys playing in his newly formed band with three friends.
In addition, Topher is also working on a similar map for the whole UK, which he said is “way more of a time undertaking than I thought, but richly fascinating and rewarding”.
He also previously produced maps to render place names into hypothetical ‘natural’ French, German and Italian.
In his spare time, Topher also enjoys playing in his newly formed band with three friends. They are in the process of trying to come up with a name for it.
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We are appealing for witnesses and dashcam footage after a collision caused serious injuries to a 23-year-old man.
Just before 3.30pm yesterday (2 July), we received reports of a collision on Barholm Road in Tallington. It involved a grey BMW 335D estate, a blue BMW 116D and an orange KTM motorcycle.
The motorcycle rider, a 23-year-old man, sustained serious injuries during the collision and was taken to hospital.
If you witnessed the incident and are yet to get in touch with us, please do so. If you have any other information or dashcam footage available that may have captured the road along the A1175 at the time of the collision, get in touch.
By calling 101 quoting incident 282 of 2 July.
By emailing [email protected] quoting incident 282 of 2 July in the subject line.
If you wish to remain anonymous, you can report via the independent charity CrimeStoppers on 0800 555 111 or online.
The 2022 Destination Lincolnshire Tourism Excellence Awards are open for applications, and Destination Lincolnshire giving you the rare chance to co-create your application with Nell Barrington, a tourism awards veteran, who has helped hundreds of businesses write winning applications over the last 15 years – including national VisitEngland winners.
The Tourism Awards Masterclass is taking place on Tuesday 12 July at 11am for one-hour online. Laura Freer, Head of Marketing at Destination Lincolnshire said: “This is a golden opportunity, after years of hard work and heartache, to get your business and team recognised and rewarded.
“A well written application is key to achieving a coveted place on this year’s shortlist, and I’d encourage all tourism and visitor economy businesses who are thinking of entering – whether they are seasoned at writing award applications or not – to join us for this exclusive masterclass.
“Nell Barrington has worked with us and VisitEngland on the founding application processes of these awards, and she is perfectly placed to assist in co-creating applications that you can be proud of. This is a great opportunity for business development too – whether you are shortlisted for an award or not – discovering how to effectively apply for awards and talk up your business adds another string to your bow.
“Booking is essential and places are limited to just 35 – so be quick! This year we’ve made our masterclass available to partners and also to those who we are yet to work with for free. Call it an added bonus, after two years away from the awards circuit.
The awards masterclass is focussed on the application process, and it will spell out what the judges are looking for. You’ll learn how to make your application stand out from the local competition, helping your chances of going through to the national VisitEngland Awards in 2023.”
There are fifteen categories open for nominations from visitors attraction, accommodation providers, hospitality businesses and many more.
The deadline for nominations is July 29, with online judging starting on July 30 and mystery shopping from August 13. Finalists will be announced on Monday, August 15.
The awards ceremony will be held at the Engine Shed on October 21, and will be hosted by Lincs FM presenter, John Marshall.
The event is organised by Stonebow Media, publishers of The Lincolnite, to celebrate the best businesses in Greater Lincolnshire, alongside headline sponsors Lincoln College and Destination Lincolnshire.
We would also like to thank our other sponsors Visit Lincolnshire, Heart of Lincs, Duncan and Toplis and LNER, insight6 and EV Camel.