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Flash mobsJuly 9th, 2006 |
Ths interesting history of the term “flash mob” struck me as funny because one of the first ones we had within UO looked just like the engraving: a bunch of players showed up and mooned Lord British as a form of protest.
The city where it happened? Moonglow, of course.
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I agree with the other commenter. “Flash” in this context means something like blinged-out.
I know, that’s what’s funny — there’s three meanings there, all layered on top of each other.
1. “Flash” as in the Aussie slang
2. “Flash” as in sudden, the meaning that is used in today’s “flash mob” lingo
3. “Flash” as in “expose some flesh.”
These days, we hear of “flash mobs” as “crowds that suddenly appear somewhere for some purpose, then disperse.” So this older use of the term is funny, but it’s funnier because they flashed the guy. Which calls to mind the one in UO.
And now it’s not funny anymore because it’s been explained to death. 
1. “Flash” as in the Aussie slang
Do you have a definition handy? I don’t believe we use “flash” in any different circumstances than, for example, the USA or UK.
Just the one in the link provided in the post:
In Aboriginal English today you can still hear “pretty flash” for well dressed, well done as a general term of excellence.
This is a usage I have seen in British English (though not recently, much) and don’t recall seeing in American English.
Flash crowd as in the UO example was coined by Larry Niven in the 1973 story of the same name. I dont think it was used in the context of an instant mob scene before that. Flash in that engraving is definitly the other slang meaning
The Australian slang meaning of “flash” is a bit old-fashioned. It’s a word I can imagine my grandfather using, but you won’t hear it much these days. Come to think of it, that goes for “mob” as well.
Just the one in the link provided in the post:
In Aboriginal English today you can still hear “pretty flash” for well dressed, well done as a general term of excellence.
This is a usage I have seen in British English (though not recently, much) and don’t recall seeing in American English.
Ah, I did not get down that far before coming back to the comments here. /smack
It strikes me as a little odd that this man/woman wrote that. “Flash” in reference to clothes is very much not restricted to “Aboriginal English” in Australia. Maybe it’s a Tasmanian observation. Those crazies.
Yes, now answer why all the Aussies I know buy clothing and etc made by the “Root” sportswear company when they visit Canada
Whoops nvm….probably not a good idea for a PG rated blog
I’ve head “flash” quite a bit in Darwin… although my favorite Australian (and probably British) word is “whinge”, something that players do quite a bit of. http://www.bartleby.com/61/97/W0119750.html
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How many times does it need to be said that pissing off your users is the worst way to build a business these days — especially in an age where there are many, many, many more choices for someone’s time and attention?”Raph’s Website » Flash mobs … in-game mooning! Is there a /moon command?TeevBlogger: AAAH! The Horror Channel is Coming! Hoorah! Now, whatever you do, don’t go see the remake of The Hills Have Eyes. It’s shit.Wes Craven Working on Videogame news from 1UP.com
How many times does it need to be said that pissing off your users is the worst way to build a business these days — especially in an age where there are many, many, many more choices for someone’s time and attention?”Raph’s Website » Flash mobs … in-game mooning! Is there a /moon command? TeevBlogger: AAAH! The Horror Channel is Coming! Hoorah! Now, whatever you do, don’t go see the remake of The Hills Have Eyes. It’s shit. Wes Craven Working on Videogame news from 1UP.com
How many times does it need to be said that pissing off your users is the worst way to build a business these days — especially in an age where there are many, many, many more choices for someone’s time and attention?”Raph’s Website » Flash mobs … in-game mooning! Is there a /moon command? TeevBlogger: AAAH! The Horror Channel is Coming! Hoorah! Now, whatever you do, don’t go see the remake of The Hills Have Eyes. It’s shit. Wes Craven Working on Videogame news from 1UP.com
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