Etymology of "Safari"

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Etymology of "Safari"

Hi everyone,
does anyone have any info on why Safari was named "Safari"? I was wondering if anything within the program was related to that name, e.g. was the icon a machete or something else in the early versions?

Thanks for any input,
Leif

Posted on Aug 10, 2008 6:32 AM

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Answer 1

McToast

Level 4

1,642 points

Aug 10, 2008 6:41 AM in response to Leif Leif

No, it's because Netscape's browser was named "Netscape Navigator" and Microsoft's was "Internet Explorer" (and early Explorer dowloand pages included a man in a pith helmet with a pair of binoculors) so there was a theme going on with browsers in terms of the internet being a "Jungle" or "Uncharted" and the browser was going to help you get around it, and explore it. A "Safari" is an "expedition" or a "hunt". That's why the icon for Safari is a compass.

There you go, and if you're in grades K-12 or in college, you can thank me for doing your homework and research for you.

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Answer 2

Leif Leif Author

Level 1

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Aug 10, 2008 9:27 AM in response to McToast

Thanks for your reply!
I am aware of the 'exploring uncharted regions'-metaphor. But that is exactly what I am trying to nail down: the (verbal and visual) metaphors at work usually refer to nautical exploration, I am looking for clues that hinted at a Jungle/Lionhunt/etc.-theme. If you have got any directions on the mentioned Explorer download page that would be of great help. The archive.org Wayback-Machine doesn't reach that far back : /

Thanks
Leif

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Answer 3

McToast

Level 4

1,642 points

Aug 10, 2008 10:39 AM in response to Leif Leif

Who says the word "Explorer" is a word relegated only to nautical navigation? Where do you get that from? Even the word "navigate" isn't always used in nautical terms. You use a compass in the sky, on land or across the sea. You're way over thinking this. Navigator/Explorer/Safari all have the same/similar superficial connotation. That's it. There's nothing deeper.

Anyway I'm done, I'm not doing your homework for you anymore.

Geez. Lazy kids these days.

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