What's in a name?

Over the last few days I have seen a few things that got me thinking. Let me explain.

Often times in our part of the world, people will paint on various parts of a vehicle what that part is. This is especially true for trucks and buses. For example, if there is tool box welded under the body somewhere they will paint the word ‘Toolbox’ on it. Sometimes the painter does not get the spelling just right, and it ends up being painted as ‘Toolbocks’ or ‘Toolboox’ or something else. At times it can be fun to try to figure out what in the world was intended by the painted letters.

Another thing they often do is to label certain areas or parts of the bus or truck. For example, the space where the driver sits will be labeled in some fashion. This is an area that has caught my attention a few times this last couple of weeks. Below are some samples of signs painted on the area near the driver’s door or seat. I am not making these up.

Pilot
Pie-lot
Captain
Cap-tin
Drivver
Smart Gay (I think they meant Smart Guy, but this way was even funnier)
Navigatur
Gas Man

Some of those brought a smile to my face. Some made me wonder if it was the drivers choice to paint that particular word or phrase of if one of his friends was having a bit of fun with him.

But then I got to thinking about all the names we have for others, or that they have for us. What exactly is the intended difference between a Captain and a Pilot, even if spelled correctly? Does it say something about how they view themselves, or how they want people to view them? Is one better/more proud than the other, or more lowly/humble than the other?

That then got me to thinking about the titles I would prefer to be used for me. Certainly not Gas Man. But what about other titles I would prefer? I love being known as the dad to my kids. I love being known as the husband of my wife. I love being known as friend/coworker to my colleagues and friends here. Are there other titles I wish were ascribed to me?

What about you? What titles do you prefer? Why?