Acquiring the Jargon of Burning Man
Those who venture to Burning Man will discover a unique dialect spoken by the locals. The sandy beaches that once lined the dry lake bed now play host to the climactic firefight. They refer to it as “the Playa.” The name also alludes to the original beach site, the spot in front of the Golden Gate Bridge where the first Man was consumed by a ball of fire. The shared language of the burners is a unifying factor. It’s a community bound together by a common language and a set of shared values. To express themselves, Burners adopt “playa names” for the week and dress up in elaborate costumes.
The Rite of Passage
Newcomers take part in a rite to mark their entrance into the group. “Virgin” is Burner slang for a first-time participant, and the process of becoming one is straightforward. To prove they are no longer virgins, young women must lie on the sand, roll around, and yell, “I’m not a virgin anymore!” Repetition of the phrase “three times. After becoming a “new Burner,” the former virgin will be hugged by seasoned Burners. Hugs are available for free at “Hug Deli,” so if you’re a seasoned Burner in need of a hug, you know what to do.