What's in a name?

In eastern Newfoundland there is a charming seaside village called Dildo. Yes, they know it's a silly name but they like it and they're keeping it. In fact, they are cashing in on it -- christening their own superhero, Captain Dildo!

Not so the people of Gayside, a town so embarrassed by its name that residents petitioned to have it renamed. This story may or may not be true but it was told and retold by proud Newfoundlanders so many times that I chose to believe them. Apparently in defense of the name change, one elderly resident reported to a local television crew, "When you tell people you live in Gayside, they looks (sic) at you right queer!" The new name, reportedly, is Baytown.

Other quirky Newfoundland place names: Black Joke Cove, named for a notorious pirate ship; Devils' Dressing Table; The Tickles; Slambang Bay and Come by Chance.