fred

	This is the JargonFile ^(V4.00) entry for fred - Next: frednet, Prev: fragile
:fred: /n./ 1. The personal name most frequently used as a metasyntactic variable (see foo). Allegedly popular because its easy for a non-touch-typist to type on a standard QWERTY keyboard. Unlike J. Random Hacker or J. Random Loser, this name has no positive or negative loading (but see Mbogo, Dr. Fred). See also barney. 2. An acronym for Flipping Ridiculous Electronic Device; other F-verbs may be substituted for flipping.
* (text is auto-included via JargonExtension by mutante using jargon with VERSION 4.0.0, 24 JUL 1996 - JargonFile by Eric S. Raymond is in the public domain)