INFO-UNIX Digest V3#007

[Rex Black]

[I've never seen a line eater and I may never see one--
 But I'll tell you one thing for sure:  I'd rather see than be one!]

>     Does anybody out there in netland know the origins of the word "foo". 
>     As often seen in may programming examples.  My explanation was a diveration
>     of the acronym (sp?) "fubar" but since I work for the state this answer was
>     unacceptable.  
> 
> 	Any ideas?  All input welcome.
> 

	Working for the state (unless it be Eastasia or some other Orwellian
	fantasy) does not excuse you from reality.  The phrases "foo"
	and "bar" do indeed come from the acronym "fubar", which stands for
	"fouled up beyond all recognition" or some other more obscene
	variant.  

	Now that I think about it, working for the state makes your
	inacceptance of the derivation totally illogical.  Being a civil 
	servant I assume you see things that are fubared all the time.

	Rex Black  (black at ee.ucla.edu, ...uclaee!black)

	P.S.  Before all you civ-serves out there flame the living s**t
	out of me, I'll let you in on a secret:  I work for the state 
	too.  And yes, everything around here is fubared!