DefyAuthority.NET

It’s good to have this site back. Thanks go to Lauren for her ongoing hard work in restoring the site (and her dilligent backup regimen).

Obviously, Burning Man is underway, and unfortunately I’m not there. I’m planning to go to a small local Burn in Texas this weekend called Orfunner. Lauren had the idea that we might create a glossary of Burner terms and slang — which brings me to my very first entry.

Orphan –noun, someone who can’t make it to That Thing in the Desert. For example: “You poor broke fuck, guess you’re going to have to be an orphan this year.” May gather in groups during or around Labor Day weekend to complain about how much they miss the smell of playa dust and to set things on fire. Compare with: Participant, Tourist.

–adjective, an event or party attended by orphans. An Orphan Burn. Compare with: Regional Burn.

“That Thing in the Desert” probably deserves its own entry. Future entries will include Raver, at least as Burners define it. Let me know what other words you think should be covered.

Kit O’Connell is a writer, critic and geek living in Austin, Texas. He has been attending events in the Burning Man community since 2001. You can read more of him on his website or his twitter.