googlefu -where did it originate?

August 27, 2005 4:03 PM

where did the term "google-fu" originate? i have never heard it used before today... its on ask mefi twice as of this moment.
posted by specialk420 to writing & language (12 answers total)

I found this doing a Google search for google-fu.
posted by pieoverdone at 4:05 PM on August 27, 2005

There's also a previous Ask MetaFilter thread that might shed some useful light on the subject.
posted by bcwinters at 4:10 PM on August 27, 2005

It originated here.
posted by klangklangston at 4:11 PM on August 27, 2005

Oooooooh. Burned by BC!
posted by klangklangston at 4:11 PM on August 27, 2005

I haven't seen the actual meaning of the words "kung fu" specifically referenced in past posts on this suject: Translated by "tone," or per syllable, "kung" means remarkable skill and "fu" means man or actor (in the sense of one who acts, not one who plays a dramatic role). The sense is, basically, "badass."

Per syllable, google-fu literally reads as "google man."

Correct usage would actually be "kung google."

More fun to say would be "kung gu."

The "goo" in "moo goo gai pan" is "mushroom," but that word is actually a bastardization or mishearing of "jun," as near as I can tell.

Better choices (out of many possible near matches) of Chinese tones or characters that are pronounced close to "goo" include "dog," "bone," and "thigh." Another near-match translates as "cross," as in to cross paths with. Like when you find a new link.

So "Goo fu" could translate as leg man, in either the prurient or investigative sense, which would pretty much cover it: the dog fetches the bone, the search engine does the leg work, both dog and man turn out to be leg men, man bites dog, thigh bites man, leg kicks dog, the end.

Of course, "Go fu" could be a new RTFM, standing both for "look it up yourself" and "Go fu.." yourself.

/maybe I'll rememer to stop signing posts in another ten years
/if I could stop thinking so much, I would
/tarin
posted by tarintowers at 4:29 AM on August 28, 2005

I haven't seen the actual meaning of the words "kung fu" specifically referenced in past posts on this suject: Translated by "tone," or per syllable, "kung" means remarkable skill and "fu" means man or actor (in the sense of one who acts, not one who plays a dramatic role). The sense is, basically, "badass."

My son's sifu, Vincent Lyn, commonly relates the actual meaning behind the term to be "hard work", contrary to the historical or literal translation meanings. And, also, that translated by "tone", one would be looking for "gung" rather than "kung".
posted by thanotopsis at 6:06 AM on August 28, 2005

True, but I elected to obsess on other details...

What style does your son practice?

I'm a green in 8-StepPreying Mantis -- the sifus choose to spell with an "e" to emphasize the deadliness, although the "praying" spelling relates more directly to stances, grabs, and sequences.

When I get a Round Tuit I'd like to update the Wikipedia entry for Praying Mantis style... The fearsomeness of the mantis isn't even the most relevant kung-fu feature represented this insect. As these photos from Flickr superstar Fubuki show (particularly in this fun slideshow view - see this photo for instructions), the legs of the mantis move through stances that are uncannily identical to some of the low-to-the-ground kung fu stances as practiced not just in Mantis style, but in many traditional Southern Chinese styles.

/may the fu be with you
/tarin
posted by tarintowers at 6:50 AM on August 28, 2005

In Joe Bob Briggs's drive-in-movie reviews, he'd refer to all manner of stuff with the -fu suffix.
posted by AJaffe at 8:08 AM on August 28, 2005

Iconomy coined schmoogle-fu
posted by growabrain at 10:28 AM on August 28, 2005

I had assumed that this started with the X-files episode that shows the origin of "The Lone Gunmen".
posted by 445supermag at 4:45 PM on August 28, 2005

thanks all. grasshopper now know meaning of google-fu.
posted by specialk420 at 8:36 PM on August 28, 2005

I would second Joe Bob Briggs as the one who initially popularized this meme.
posted by First Post at 10:05 PM on August 28, 2005