Official "Funny Place Names" Thread

[davieddy]

I always thought that Effingham should rhyme with Buckingham.
(Markr has awoken the child in me with a vengeance)

[only_human]

When my girlfriend and I eat out, we often kill time while waiting for food by looking at weather extremes in the newspaper.

Very often Embarrass, Minnesota is the cold extreme for the nation. I've wondered about the meaning of name (Embarrass, verb transitive: cause to be embarrassed; cause to feel self-conscious) until now: Welcome to Embarrass, Minnesota "The Cold Spot">Community

"Embarrass" comes from a French word which means "to hinder, confuse or to be complicated"

2005 Official Low Temperature:
January 17, 2005 -54°F
All Time Official Low: February 2, 1996 -57°F
Feb. 8th, 18th 2006 Low Temp:-36°F
Feb. 4th, 5th 2007 Low Temp:-42°F

Embarrass, Minnesota Weather -

Embarrass is known for its frigid temperatures and can claim the rights to the moniker as "the cold spot" in the state.
It is not unusual to see temperatures around -30°F to -45°F many mornings before the sun comes up during the winter months. The unofficial low temperature set on February 2, 1996, was -64°F. Although it may be hard to believe that this can be "normal", it is. It is, also, normal to get killing frosts during the summer months. Consequently, Embarrass residents find it challanging to grow vegetables or beautiful flowers. Theories have been postulated explaining the extreme temperatures.

These theories include Embarrass' location, landforms, and geology. Embarrass is located in the Embarrass River Valley. The Vermilion Range borders the northern end, and the Laurentian Divide borders the southern end and moraines are found at right angles to this valley. Gravity and these natural barriers causes the cold air to sink. The type of soil may additionally influence the temperatures. Embarrass is frequently colder than anywhere else in the state.

[davieddy]

Originally Posted by 10metreh

I spotted Upper Dicker a few years ago in E. Sussex.

Yes Sussex is a good source of amusing place names. I've taken the
train to Brighton many times. Although not outrageously wisible,
Pease Pottage is typical.

[Flatlander]

My wife thinks I should have been born in Little Sodbury.

[10metreh]

Originally Posted by davieddy

Yes Sussex is a good source of amusing place names. I've taken the
train to Brighton many times. Although not outrageously risible,
Pease Pottage is typical.

It's given its name to services as well.

[davieddy]

Originally Posted by 10metreh

It's given its name to services as well.

Remind me not to try the soup if I ever dine there

[petrw1]

In my province we have towns of Semans and Climax

[davieddy]

Originally Posted by petrw1

In my province we have towns of Semans and Climax

Yes. Off topic, but did Captaiin Pugwash really incorporate
the characters Seaman Stains and Master Bates?

[petrw1]

Originally Posted by davieddy

Yes. Off topic, but did Captaiin Pugwash really incorporate
the characters Seaman Stains and Master Bates?

Not quite: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Captain_Pugwash

Master Mate

[michaf]

In Holland we have 'Doodstil', which litterally translates as 'deadquiet'.
115 inhabitants in 2005...

[davieddy]

Originally Posted by petrw1

Not quite: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Captain_Pugwash

Master Mate

I had completely forgotten roger the Cabin Boy