What does git stand for?

Git is an open source distributed version control system. It was created in 2005 by Linus Torvalds. But you already knew that, right. So what's behind the name, git?

You may be be surprised to know that it's not an acronym. In the words of Torvalds:

"I'm an egotistical bastard, and I name all my projects after myself. First 'Linux', now 'Git'".

In British slang 'git' stands for a person that "think they are always correct, argumentative". Cambridge Dictionary defines git as "a person, especially a man, who is stupid or unpleasant".

To understand the self-referring sarcasm of Torvalds, watch any of his talks - for example the one where he unapologetically calls out nVidia as the single worst company he's ever deal with:

Further, in the original README of git's git repo, Torvalds writes:

"git" can mean anything, depending on your mood.

- random three-letter combination that is pronounceable, and not actuall used by any common UNIX command. The fact that it is a mispronunciation of "get" may or may not be relevant.

- stupid. contemptible and despicable. simple. Take your pick from the dictionary of slang.

- "global information tracker": you're in a good mood, and it actually works for you. Angels sing, and a light suddenly fills the room.

- "goddamn idiotic truckload of sh*t": when it breaks

All in all, there isn't any significant meaning behind the name git. It's definitely a nice, short command, standing for a tool that's fast, lightweight and just works.