Look ... you can just see how much this upsets me ...

Like, not at all really. My name is Bubba again. Whatever. Wake me up when it's time for dinner.

On Monday I got the news that one of Cub's/Bubba's co-owners insists that his call name not be changed, or else we may not keep him. Maybe the issue is that he has a history in the Newf world associated with that call name. Maybe the issue is that Cub is not that creative (a variant of "Bear" after all). I have to admit, I'm not that crazy about the name "Cub". But at least "Cub" is not too different a sound from "Bub", and he adapted with no problem.

When southerners use the name "Bubba" here's what it means (according to Wikipedia):

Bubba is a relationship nickname formed from brother, given to boys to indicate their role in the family, especially the oldest male sibling. For some boys and men, bubba is used so pervasively it replaces the given name. The nickname may also be used outside the family by friends as a term of affection.

But we are not southerners.

Bubba is also Yiddish for grandmother.

But we are not of Eastern European descent.

Bubba has also developed into a proper noun, used as a term of endearment, to describe someone who is especially lovable, adorable, etc. Also used to identify someone's significant other (i.e "She's my Bubba". It is said to have evolved from the word 'baby', but its origin is unknown. Used predominantly in the Chicago area, specifically in the Edgewater/Andersonville neighborhoods.

But we are not in, or from, Chicago.

Because of its association with the southern part of the United States, bubba is often used outside the South as a pejorative meaning low economic status and limited education.

And unfortunately, this is the meaning which is often assumed when Yankees in the south are tactless enough to use the term. If we were born and bred southerners, I'm sure we could call our dog Bubba without it raising much notice. But for Yankees transplanted to the south (and believe me, it's very obvious who's a Yank and who's not) to call Newfoundland Bubba is, at best, in poor taste; and at worst, politically incorrect.

Typical reactions when I answer the question "what's his name":

• Guffaws
• A raised eyebrow
• A chilly "you're joking, right?"

This is a very small town. The "fancy" side of town is three blocks wide, and the 'hood is the next three blocks. I just hope I never have to call him to me in the wrong three blocks.

Kathy, Bubba's 2lggd mom

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