260
GIMP rebranding as WLBR?
(gitlab.gnome.org)
you are viewing a single comment's thread
view the rest of the comments
view the rest of the comments
this post was submitted on 26 Apr 2026
260 points (95.8% liked)
Linux
64952 readers
540 users here now
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
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.
Rules
- Posts must be relevant to operating systems running the Linux kernel. GNU/Linux or otherwise.
- No misinformation
- No NSFW content
- No hate speech, bigotry, etc
Related Communities
Community icon by Alpár-Etele Méder, licensed under CC BY 3.0
founded 7 years ago
MODERATORS
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).
I propose Scriptable Image Manipulation Program (SIMP)
Scriptable High Resolution Image Manipulation Program
Scriptable Huge Image Tool
SIMPly genius!
the issue isn't the kink association. The issue is that the word used to be used as a slur for disabled folks.
Pimp it is then!
I’m partial to SIMP
It must be something that can't possibly be construed as sexual innuendo, like Linux Image Manipulation Program (LIMP)...
It's a GNU program, not a Linux program. It runs on multiple platforms.
eg: the Windows Image Manipulation System
Not the strongest name. Sounds kinda weak.
Maybe "Photographic Image Manipulation Program"?
Windows
Linux
BSD
Ringo (apple)
image editor.
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
I had heard gimp/gimpy used to mean "limping or is otherwise gait-impaired" often enough that I assumed the Pulp Fiction character was called the Gimp because of his posture and gait. I was completely unaware of any scene/subculture meaning until reading threads like these.
Full disclosure about my own experience: I am a disabled person who has no strong emotional reaction to the term. I do limp, some days worse than others.
I wonder if it's a regional thing? I've only ever heard it in movies or older TV shows. Where I live people are much more likely to just say "crippled" or describe someone as walking with a limp.
I was confused when I saw Pulp Fiction as a kid because I was like "why is this handicapped guy in a leather suit and what does him being hadicapped have to do with his apparent hobbies" lol. But like I said, never really heard it used in other contexts.
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.
Ive heard people say something "was gimped" to mean it was bad, weak, reduced, crippled, etc, so I think it is still common enough near me
He saw Pulp Fiction and thought he was clever
It meant that stretchy plastic craft string when I was a kid.
Yeah, which I hear is also called lanyard string, or even boondoggle.
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.
I imagine them being something along the lines of 'Government organisation X moves from Photoshop to free open source alternative' or if a journalist is feeling funny 'Government organisation X moves from paid image manipulation software (PIMP) to GIMP'.
Anyways, I think it's only a minor issue limited to English speaking countries, and only a issue for people who already have issues
Adoption in English speaking countries only. Why is adoption equally terrible internationally if the name is to blame?
Seriously, the ONLY reason I actually know gimp has other meanings is because of discussions of the program.
The terrible UI is hurting adoption.
PhotoGimp can change the GIMP UI, for those migrating.
Home page
Video demo
there's an enterprise version?