this post was submitted on 26 Apr 2026
39 points (97.6% liked)
Linux
64877 readers
1121 users here now
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Linux is a family of open source Unix-like operating systems based on the Linux kernel, an operating system kernel first released on September 17, 1991 by Linus Torvalds. Linux is typically packaged in a Linux distribution (or distro for short).
Distributions include the Linux kernel and supporting system software and libraries, many of which are provided by the GNU Project. Many Linux distributions use the word "Linux" in their name, but the Free Software Foundation uses the name GNU/Linux to emphasize the importance of GNU software, causing some controversy.
Rules
- Posts must be relevant to operating systems running the Linux kernel. GNU/Linux or otherwise.
- No misinformation
- No NSFW content
- No hate speech, bigotry, etc
Related Communities
Community icon by Alpár-Etele Méder, licensed under CC BY 3.0
founded 7 years ago
MODERATORS
you are viewing a single comment's thread
view the rest of the comments
view the rest of the comments
I think they should keep both names and just have WLBR be the "enterprise" version.
However, in non-English speaking countries, nobody has an issue with GIMP. And even my very religious and Murican MIL uses Gimp. She doesn't even know.
If anything, those discussions further the association, as they come up when you google "gimp program sexual" or sth like that.
It's short for GNU image manipulation program. I mean, you could short it to imp, or rename it to Picture & Image Manipulation Program (PIMP).
I propose Scriptable Image Manipulation Program (SIMP)
SIMPly genius!
It must be something that can't possibly be construed as sexual innuendo, like Linux Image Manipulation Program (LIMP)...
It's a GNU program, not a Linux program. It runs on multiple platforms.
eg: the Windows Image Manipulation System
Not the strongest name. Sounds kinda weak.
Maybe "Photographic Image Manipulation Program"?
Pimp it is then!
Gimp is really just a rare/archaic ableist slur anyway - like to refer to someone with a limp or otherwise a leg/lack of a leg that impedes their gait. I've never heard it used in my life.
The sexual usage is from gay bdsm subculture in the 70s that the large majority of ppl who are aware of it are only aware because of Pulp Fiction.
My vote is for pimp
I've only heard it used that way once in my life. When I was in high school (about 20 years ago), I hurt my leg while playing basketball and was on crutches for a few weeks. This one kid in one of my classes constantly referred to me as "gimp" throughout my recovery.
He saw Pulp Fiction and thought he was clever
You have to set the WLBR_IS_GIMP env variable to get the new name. So I guess that might be what they going for, at least for now?
I get what you are saying but IMO the old name was hurting adoption. Imagine the headlines if say some city or government announced they are moving to GIMP from photoshop or affinity.
I imagine them being something along the lines of 'Government organisation X moves from Photoshop to free open source alternative' or if a journalist is feeling funny 'Government organisation X moves from paid image manipulation software (PIMP) to GIMP'.
Anyways, I think it's only a minor issue limited to English speaking countries, and only a issue for people who already have issues