Posted on July 6, 2013 by Nik

Burning Man Dictionary

BurnerDictionarycontributions to the upcoming Burner Dictionary (see Get Lit(erary) at Burning Man group on FB for more on the “Dizionario Autentica”)

  • reality vortex
    n. physics. the phenomenon created when the intentional gathering of a critical mass of free spirits causes a gravitational warp in “reality” as defined by those external to the sphere of influence of this vortex (see Playasphere)
  • playafication: the threshold crossed when a person becomes no longer distinguishable from the surrounding playascape due to a critical exposure to playa dust. Typically attained after being caught in a dust storm, or stepping off an art car whilst not in body (see “playcked“)
  • playcked
    vulgar. slang.
    verb [trans.] deriving from the terms playa, baked and fucked (also: fried, smoked, totally-fucked)
    a curious state attained after several days of an amalgamation of sleep deprivation, sun exposure, dust inhalation, long hours of abandoned dancing and substance abuse – usually evidenced by the appearance of smoke-like streaks from the orifices esp. nose and ears.
  • playasphere: noun. physics. a postulated sphere or stage of evolutionary development dominated by consciousness, the mind, and interpersonal relationships as invoked during playa-space-time (see playa-time continuum)
  • playamorphosis
    noun. a change of the form or nature of a thing or person into a completely different one, by natural or supernatural means.
  • playa-time continuum
    n. physics. the abstracted concept of time and three-dimensional space regarded as fused in a four-dimensional continuum on the playa. A most unstable continuum with often unpredictable results.
  • stepping coined from Herman Hesse’s novel Steppenwolf and relating to the strategy of cruising the quieter back streets after sundown when the masses are mostly to be found in the central mainstream esplanade areas. Stepping is where magical, serendipitous and synchronous encounters mostly occur. ie. “Magic Theatre: Entrance Not For Everybody” scenarios [Hesse:Steppenwolf]
  • tidal: going tidal
    following the flow of the masses from the tributary backstreets out across the playa. Typical on Saturday and Sunday nights before the big burns.
  • burner
    Disambiguation:
    burner. noun. someone who smokes cannabis
    burner. noun. someone who attends Burning Man events
    burner. noun. someone who sets things on fire
    to burn. verb. any combination of the above
    to burn. verb. undesirable combination of the above when a burner sets themselves on fire.