First 'Phishing' now 'Pharming' - what's next?

Question

I pretty much understand what 'phishing', is but I'm not quite sure if I fully understand what 'pharming' is, even after reading a very good article on the subject by David Coursey at: http://www.eweek.com/article2/0,1759,1758874,00.asp

Does anyone know why changing the initial 'f' (fishing/farming) to 'ph' (phishing/pharming) became the trend, and what word do you think will be invented next that follows this pattern?

Josh Norther
(For e-mail replace the asterisks with the first four prime numbers)

Usenet · Accepted Answer

[nq:1]I pretty much understand what 'phishing', is but I'm not quite sure if I fully understand what 'pharming' is, even ... to 'ph' (phishing/pharming) became the trend, and what word do you think will be invented next that follows this pattern?[/nq]
The original term was phreaking , the /ph/ stemming from phone . For details see the Jargon File, as reproduced, for example, here: http://dictionary.reference.com/search?q=phreaking

I have seen other, post-"phishing" uses of the /ph/ to indicate an illicit, unwelcome activity, but can't remember them at the moment.

Chris Waigl
who recently learnt that one way to say phishing in French is hameçonnage .

a chisel writing http://lascribe.net/
"Away, you scullion! you rampallian! you fustilarian! I'll tickle your catastrophe."
c w a i g l / a t / f r e e / p o i n t / f r

Usenet · Answer

[nq:2]I pretty much understand what 'phishing', is but I'm not ... good article on the subject by David Coursey at: http://www.eweek.com/article2/0,1759,1758874,00.asp[/nq]
[nq:1](something, already)[/nq]
I should have read the article before commenting.
The coinage pharming evolved from phishing by spinning on the underlying metaphor.(1) If phishing means catching unsuspecting internet users like fish, ie one by one, or at best in nets, pharming yields the same result "fish", ie duped people but by more technological means (like producing fish in fish farms). Instead of tricking individuals to click on a link that will take them to a spoofed URL, you change the entire underlying structure (the DNS system) so that even going to the correct URL will lead to a fraudulent site.
Chris Waigl
(1) What's the English equivalent to the French term "métaphore filée", ie a metaphor that is spun on and on (until it is squeezed dry)?

a chisel writing http://lascribe.net/
"Away, you scullion! you rampallian! you fustilarian! I'll tickle your catastrophe."
c w a i g l / a t / f r e e / p o i n t / f r

Usenet · Answer

[nq:1]Does anyone know why changing the initial 'f' (fishing/farming) to 'ph' (phishing/pharming) became the trend, and what word do you think will be invented next that follows this pattern?[/nq]
I can see a term for telephone *** on the horizon ;-)

Ida Goode-Johnson

Usenet · Answer

[nq:1](1) What's the English equivalent to the French term "métaphore filée", ie a metaphor that is spun on and on (until it is squeezed dry)?[/nq]
An extended metaphor, I think, although I don't agree that all extended metaphors are necessarily squeezed dry.

Isabelle Cecchini

Usenet · Answer

[nq:2]I pretty much understand what 'phishing', is but I'm not ... you think will be invented next that follows this pattern?[/nq]
[nq:1]The original term was phreaking , the /ph/ stemming from phone . For details see the Jargon File, ... seen other, post-"phishing" uses of the /ph/ to indicate an illicit, unwelcome activity, but can't remember them at the moment.[/nq]
In particular, early Hackish often swapped "ph" and "f" the full original term was "fone phreaker".

Aaron Davies
Opinions expressed are solely those of a random number generator. "I don't know if it's real or not but it is a myth." -Jami JoAnne of alt.folklore.urban, showing her grasp on reality.

Usenet · Answer

[nq:1]An extended metaphor, I think, although I don't agree that all extended metaphors are necessarily squeezed dry.[/nq]
Blushingly, I agree and admit that the "squeezed dry" part was added solely to provide a mixed metaphor.
Chris Waigl
who really likes "métaphores filées"/extended metaphors in reality

a chisel writing http://lascribe.net/
"Away, you scullion! you rampallian! you fustilarian! I'll tickle your catastrophe."
c w a i g l / a t / f r e e / p o i n t / f r

Usenet · Answer

[nq:2]An extended metaphor, I think, although I don't agree that all extended metaphors are necessarily squeezed dry.[/nq]
[nq:1]Blushingly, I agree and admit that the "squeezed dry" part was added solely to provide a mixed metaphor.[/nq]
I'll admit I'm quite partial to mixed metaphors!

Isabelle Cecchini
"Le char de l'État navigue sur un volcan."

Usenet · Answer

[nq:2]Blushingly, I agree and admit that the "squeezed dry" part was added solely to provide a mixed metaphor.[/nq]
[nq:1] I'll admit I'm quite partial to mixed metaphors![/nq]
Well take the bull between the teeth and find some!

Mind you, you're opening a can of hornets (some might say a Pandora's can of hornets) if you do!
Ida Goode-Johnson

Usenet · Answer

[nq:1](1) What's the English equivalent to the French term "métaphore filée", ie a metaphor that is spun on and on (until it is squeezed dry)?[/nq]
closest thing i can think of is "tortured analogy"

Usenet · Answer

Isabelle Cecchini filted:
[nq:2](1) What's the English equivalent to the French term "métaphore filée", ie a metaphor that is spun on and on (until it is squeezed dry)?[/nq]
[nq:1]An extended metaphor, I think, although I don't agree that all extended metaphors are necessarily squeezed dry.[/nq]
A rhetorical figure's reach must exceed its grasp, or what's a metaphor?...r

First 'Phishing' now 'Pharming' - what's next?

Top answer

Get the Weekly English Kit 📬

Related Questions