Speaking Names of Free:
Slaves in the books generally did not speak the name of a free persons, unless given permission to do so; to ask permission to do so, would almost guarantee a whipping. They also referred to their owner as, “my Master.”
Examples of acceptable use:
NO: “~as he entered the Tavern, she offered cheerfully~ Greetings Master John Doe!
YES: “~as Master John Doe entered the tavern, offering cheerfully~ Greetings Master.
Notice, she used his name in conjunction with a verb and not in her salutation.
If she were speaking -of- him, to another person, it might look like this:
~glancing briefly over the delicate curve of rounded shoulder; as she began to turn back, a light nudge to her face indicated Master John Doe; speaking quietly with her friend, she offered~ That’s him.
Slaves, in the books, were permitted, however, to say the name of their Master when it was necessary to identify them, specifically. Keep in mind, there is a time and place when this is appropriate; slaves, generally do not speak the names of the free.
Translations of a few Gorean words often disputed:
Collar .. Ko-lar?
Ko-lar is the Gorean pronunciation of the word collar. It was used in the Gorean series when Eta is instructing Judy Thorton in the Gorean language. In every other reference in the series to the collar, it is spelled as collar. The reference quotes address how the pronunciation and spelling of Gorean and English words are different and how Norman uses them in the series.
Earth .. Urth?
Urth is not written in the books, although it is a common slang for the word.
Ai .. Aye .. Yes?
Ai is a Gorean exclamation and possibly the meaning of, yes. Many dispute the use of the word to mean of “yes”. However, this quote may change your mind. Your choice of course, decide for yourself. “Aye” is not found anywhere in the series. Rather it is more an agreeable acknowledgment, not “yes”
“Yes,” I said, “and from what I know of the Red Savages, I would conjecture that this skin is from the very beast whose image is portrayed upon it.”
“Ai,” said Samos. “Perhaps!”
“I think it is more than likely,” I said.
“I pity Zarendargar,” said Samos.
- SAVAGES OF GOR, Pages 59-60
Ki .. No?
Ki refers to the negation of something, meaning more specifically, not. It is not the Gorean word meaning, no.
‘Var’ means a turning and ‘Ki’ signifies negation; thus, rather literally, one might speak of ‘turning to the Sardar’ and ‘not turning to the Sardar’
- NOMADS OF GOR, Page 3
I took from the chest a string of pearls, then one of pieces of gold, then one of rubies. “Bina?” I asked, each time. Eta laughed. “Bana,” she said, “Ki Bina. Bana.”
- SLAVE GIRL OF GOR, Pages 81-82
Home Stone
Is written in two words. Free persons will commonly stand when they speak of their Home Stone because it, simply saying the word, holds so much meaning to them; it is, who and what they are. Most people, because of this, have become accustom to typing “Home Stone” as two words, not shortening it by saving a simple press to the space bar, or even using an anagram.
Bara .. Belly?
Bara is a common position. Belly is also another common position, However, -the- word Bara is not a Gorean term for “belly.” They are, different. The confusion appears to come from the fact when the command is issued, the slave settles upon her belly or stomach. Below are a few quotes for the position, Bara. You’ll see for yourself, Bara refers too and defines a position. Consider this, would Sula then mean a person’s back? Or Nadu or Tower mean knees? By the way, no, they do -not- mean or define a person’s back or knees. Bara, Sula, Nadu, and Tower are the Gorean terms for a position.
“Bara, Kajira!” he said.
She rolled quickly to her stomach, placing her wrists behind her, crossed, and crossing her ankles, ready to be bound.
- EXPLORERS OF GOR, Page 77
“Bara,” said Mincon to Tula. “Bara,” said I to Feiqa. Both slaves immediately to their bellies, their heads to the left, their wrists crossed behind their backs, their ankles also crossed. It is a common binding position. We did not bother to bind them, however. It was enough that they lay there in this position.
- MERCENARIES OF GOR, Page 145
Black Wine is written in two words and is not blackwyne or blackwine.
Tal and/or Greetings
In the books, the term Tal is used by free persons and slaves, using one or the other, never both together. Tal means greetings, it is simply the Gorean word defining it. Just as Ehn is the Gorean term for minute. To say, “Tal and greetings.” together is like saying, “Hola and hello.”
White Silks / Red Silk Level of Knowledge -and- Sexual Restrictions / Iron Belts
At many Gorean role play sites non-virgin slaves are often put into white silks initially. The reason is so her status is immediately recognizable. Either her skills at the site or overall are minimal and she is in the beginning stages of role play there. Some sites do not follow this protocol because the meaning of “White Silk” and “Red Silk” according to the Gorean series, only defines the virginal status of a woman and not her level of knowledge or her skill; however the color white has been used to denote slaves in training. Here, it seems, there is a bit of inconsistency. At one point we read where white is a color not generally worn because few women remain in that state for too long and yet we see in another where slaves in training were in white tunics. The last paragraph should sum this all up rather nicely.
Unless commanded otherwise, a White Silk slave, serves in tower; her thighs are joined; she does not expose herself. Nonetheless, her serve is beautiful, expressive of her passion for life, for service; her movements are fluid and graceful; and, her desire to be found pleasing is evident.
Most White Silk slaves would also be belted, preventing anyone from using them sexually. This is one reason why a White Silk slave and even a restricted Red Silk, should not be left alone. Guards are often used.
There are many ways a slave’s level of knowledge can be identified, such as a band, a sash, a collar, a collar sleeve, and so on; and these conventions are unique to each owner and/or House.
Kitchen .. Servery?
The term “servery” is not found within the Gorean series. It is however, a European word defining a counter or a room where a meal is served.
Rump .. Rask?
The term “rask,” meaning a persons back side, bottom, tush, rump, is not found in the Gorean series. It is a slang word of unknown origin, growing in popularity in Gorean chat sites.
Carrying / Touching Coin, Pockets, and Purses
It is often taught and thought that -all- slaves are forbidden to touch coin (money) with their hands; they have to use their mouth. This isn’t all entirely true according to the series. A slave did spit coin from her mouth into her hand to verbally reply to a question from a passerby. There was no verbiage there about her using her hand to place the coin while she answered them, short of her doing that; only that she was concerned about the delay in her task and also in not ignoring their question.
The quote continues with an explanation that few Gorean garments have pockets, the exception being artisans. As well, the pretence of slaves not touching coin, thereby using their mouth, is a bit skewed; are they not, with the press of their lips, the curl of their tongue, the bite of their teeth, touching the coin?
In another it is stated in the series that some girls are not permitted to touch money. It continues with many slaves are permitted to touch money, with permission. This quote, like many others, explains the reason, Gorean garments lack pockets; and, that this is a common method to carry coin for both free and slave. Other methods used with slaves for carrying coin are neck pouches, coin boxes, bowls, or tied into the hem of their silk. Permission is the key; just as with anything else a slave on Gor can or cannot do; the mode of carrying coin (hand, mouth, pouch, box, bowl) is irrelevant.
Of primary importance and concern, as it relates to coin and slaves, identified specifically in another quote, is that the slave not be found with an unaccountable coin; then, she may be sleen feed.
Another concept regarding slaves and the carrying of coin is that they are not permitted wallets, pouches, purses, and the alike; these are reserved for the use of free persons.
Disease is relatively non-existent on Gor. There was the Bazi plague and there is Dar-Kosis; however, medical advancement given what it is on Gor, placing coin in their mouth wasn’t a concern and was one of the common methods for carrying coin by both free and slave. I know many of us get grossed out by putting coin in our mouth because today, the reverse is true, disease is present. Slaves on Gor, in the books and in the realm of online, commanded to or not, will often kiss and lick the feet of a man, regardless of where his feet have been; and generally do so, readily. Carrying coin in the mouth, for both free and slave, is simply a part of this rich, yet utterly simple, world of Gor.
To Summarize ..
You will see many use these or other words and/or customs in their own way; everyone is different, we need to be respectful of that. Don’t call anyone on their use, or attempt to “help” them; unless they ask you, first. Even then tread lightly. Just realize the difference, why or how, these can be and often are, disputed .. and .. put good form into practice. Let your good example set the way for others.
