Jesus M. Gonzalez-Barahona wrote:

>I have had the chance of devoting some time to research the origins of
>the term "libre software". It happens that this list was, some time
>back, one of the main focus of its developement. Just in case some of
>you are curious about the story, you can have a look at
>http://sinetgy.org/jgb/articulos/libre-software-origin/
>
>Any comment, correction, or whatever about it is welcome.
>
I really enjoy etymology.  This is a really nice example of the art.

One comment which caught my attention:

From: Colin Plumb (colin@eecg.toronto.edu)
Subject: Re: "Free" (was Re: Cracking a Game ?)
Newsgroups: gnu.misc.discuss
Date: 1992-06-30 05:51:32 PST
[...]
It's an english-language curse.  In French, for example, the difference
between "libre" and "gratuit" is clear.  English has the noun "liberty",
but no corresponding adjective.
[...]


In fact, English DOES have an adjective: libertine.  The term dies on
connotations, but I like the idea of working on "libertine software" :-)...

-- 
  Anyone who quotes me in their sig is an idiot. -- Rusty Russell's sig