nixnib#

nix (n.)#

The name Unics (Uniplexed Information and Computing Service, pronounced as “eunuchs”), a pun on Multics (Multiplexed Information and Computer Services), was initially suggested for the project in 1970. Brian Kernighan claims the coining for himself, and adds that “no one can remember” who came up with the final spelling Unix.

from wikipedia

nib (n.)#

1580s, ‘beak or bill of a bird,’ Scottish variant of neb, ‘beak or bill of a bird.’ Perhaps influenced by nibble (v.). Meaning ‘point’ (of a pen or quill) is recorded by 1610s (neb in this sense is from 1590s).

from etymonline ~