Jump to content

What's the origin of the term beaver board?


Dan Collins

Recommended Posts

I was told on set today that we are not allowed to say beaver board any more because of the negtive origins of the term. The DP wouldn't explain what those origin are and I have to say I have no idea what the origin is ( I do know WHAT I is though). Now I'm really really curious to know.

 

I'm aware that many terms were once derogatory, like best boy, but that is no longer the case for most, at least in my experienc and that is far from my intention here. I'm just looking to learn and understand what the problem with it is.

 

 

Look at one and think about it for a moment... or more if need be...

Link to comment
Share on other sites

  • 3 years later...

In 1903 J. P. Lewis, a paper product maker, glued layers of mat board used for picture framing to make boards for lining his attic. This took place in Beaver Falls, NY. In 1906, he formed the Beaver Manufacturing Company. Later wallboards made of layered wood fibers include Upson Board, Cornell board, Sterling, and Fibro-Wallboard.

 

 

 

http://www.oldhouseweb.com/blog/beaver-board/

 

So, just like Buffalo Wings, Beaver Boards were named after a city.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

I first heard the term ' 2 T's shot' from the lead actress on a movie I was shooting. She thought it was funny. She also thought 'Mother/Daughter' was hilarious.

 

I agree with others, if you're a sensitive soul with a thin skin, a movie set is no place for you.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

  • 1 month later...
  • Premium Member

I was told on set today that we are not allowed to say beaver board any more because of the negtive origins of the term. The DP wouldn't explain what those origin are and I have to say I have no idea what the origin is ( I do know WHAT I is though). Now I'm really really curious to know.

 

I'm aware that many terms were once derogatory, like best boy, but that is no longer the case for most, at least in my experienc and that is far from my intention here. I'm just looking to learn and understand what the problem with it is.

Best Boy was used up here with a wink and grin kind of connotation when gaffers were talking to one another. I've never heard the term beaver, but would be of a similar mind as your DP. I can appreciate blue humor, but there's a time and place for everything, and the work place, even if you're contracting, is not that time nor that place. Why some people continue to sexualize everything is beyond me.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

  • 2 weeks later...

Best Boy was used up here with a wink and grin kind of connotation when gaffers were talking to one another. I've never heard the term beaver, but would be of a similar mind as your DP. I can appreciate blue humor, but there's a time and place for everything, and the work place, even if you're contracting, is not that time nor that place. Why some people continue to sexualize everything is beyond me.

 

 

Best Boy and Gaffer are slang terms from England that were used before the motion picture industry. "Gaffer" is an expert at everything, usually someone in a manufacturing or engineering firm. "Best Boy" was his most reliable, creative, ingenious, hard working assistant. The Gaffer would send out his Best Boy to straighten out a problem when he was too busy to attend to it personally. Nothing sexual about it.

 

Terms like: tampon, Ubangi, butt plug and bull prick are a diferent story.

Edited by JD Hartman
Link to comment
Share on other sites

  • 2 weeks later...

I've heard of people being fired for calling large backings of duvetyne "blacks."

 

Yelling "Lets go, we're hanging some blacks on stage 17." Didn't go over well...

 

You have to have some prudence set.

 

You don't hear an AD saying, "we just have a Mother/Daughter then we break for a half," anymore...

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Create an account or sign in to comment

You need to be a member in order to leave a comment

Create an account

Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!

Register a new account

Sign in

Already have an account? Sign in here.

Sign In Now
×
×
  • Create New...