this post was submitted on 26 Apr 2026
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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.

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[–] MrSoup@lemmy.zip 9 points 50 minutes ago (1 children)

Why not just Wilber? Just like the mascot.

[–] slartibartfast141@piefed.zip 9 points 31 minutes ago (1 children)

The Linux community can't let an opportunity for an acronym to go to waste. Even more so for a backronym.

[–] eleijeep@piefed.social 1 points 4 minutes ago

Could have had the recursive acronym KINGIMP (KINGIMP Is Not GIMP) smdh

[–] xnx@piefed.social 16 points 1 hour ago

From a name you don’t want to say to a name you can’t say

[–] excel@lemming.megumin.org 9 points 1 hour ago

And here I was worried they would pick another terrible name.

[–] amateurcrastinator@lemmy.world 1 points 14 minutes ago

Why the hell is everyone focused on the damn name? Stick to adobe if you don't like the name. I need good functionality not a name change.

[–] helix@feddit.org 27 points 2 hours ago (5 children)

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).

[–] mech@feddit.org 10 points 1 hour ago

I propose Scriptable Image Manipulation Program (SIMP)

[–] EmK@lemmy.ca 4 points 50 minutes ago

It must be something that can't possibly be construed as sexual innuendo, like Linux Image Manipulation Program (LIMP)...

[–] wltr@discuss.tchncs.de 12 points 1 hour ago

Pimp it is then!

[–] ALoafOfBread@lemmy.ml 5 points 1 hour ago* (last edited 16 minutes ago) (1 children)

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

[–] rudyharrelson@lemmy.radio 2 points 18 minutes ago

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.

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.

[–] zippy@lemmy.zip 1 points 1 hour ago

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.

[–] melsaskca@lemmy.ca 1 points 18 minutes ago

They should publish an add-on and call it "Mister Ed".

[–] schnurrito@discuss.tchncs.de 5 points 1 hour ago

Is WLBR supposed to be an abbreviation for something? I realize it is a reference to the mascot Wilber, but apart from that?

[–] BradleyUffner@lemmy.world 5 points 1 hour ago* (last edited 1 hour ago)

WLBR was the local radio station from my home town in PA.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/WLBR

[–] Shimitar@downonthestreet.eu 4 points 1 hour ago

Is it April fool?

What in earth...gl

Gimp is perfectly fine name...

WTF

Lol

[–] mech@feddit.org 0 points 1 hour ago

If GIMP is renamed to WLBR, wouldn't you also have to rename GTK into WTK?