U.K. science minister demonstrates zero sense of humor, vetoes naming ship 'Boaty McBoatface'

Proposed "Boaty McBoatface" name for U.K. vessel is shot down.
(Image credit: Peter Macdiarmid/Getty Images)

Qualifying himself for Biggest Stick in the Mud of the Year, U.K. Science Minister Jo Johnson shot down the possibility of naming a newly acquired research vessel "Boaty McBoatface," saying the ship needed a more "suitable" name.

Britain's Natural Environment Research Council asked the public to vote on a name for the $300 million research boat last month, and basically got exactly what one would expect from inviting the internet to name something expensive and important. "Boaty McBoatface" won the poll with 124,109 votes, which was four times as many as the second place name, honoring a 16-month-old girl with incurable cancer, received.

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Jeva Lange

Jeva Lange was the executive editor at TheWeek.com. She formerly served as The Week's deputy editor and culture critic. She is also a contributor to Screen Slate, and her writing has appeared in The New York Daily News, The Awl, Vice, and Gothamist, among other publications. Jeva lives in New York City. Follow her on Twitter.