Naming Satan - The Many Names of the "Deceiver"

[MineralMan]

The Dictionary of American Regional English has come up with a list of names used to describe the supposed supernatural entity one member here has called the "Deceiver." That name is on the list, along with many, many others. I've included a partial list here, along with a link to the complete list. Of course, this list is just from American English and is probably incomplete. Other languages, no doubt, have their own long lists:

http://dare.wisc.edu/survey-results/1965-1970/religion-and-beliefs/cc8

Other names for the devil:
SATAN
OLD NICK
BAD MAN
LUCIFER
OLD SCRATCH
BOOGER MAN
BEELZEBUB
OLD HARRY
OLD BOY
OLD SATAN
DEMON
EVIL SPIRIT
PRINCE OF DARKNESS
OLD MAN
EVIL ONE
IMP
MEPHISTOPHELES
BOOGEY MAN
DEVIL
DIABLO
EVIL PERSONIFIED
OLD BOOGER MAN
DRAGON
FALLEN ANGEL
MAN WITH THE FORKED TAIL
MAN WITH THE PITCHFORK
NICK
OLD DEVIL
SIN
BRUTE
DICKENS
EVIL
HELL
HELLCAT
HIS SATANIC MAJESTY
MAN WITH THE HORNS
MESTOPHELES
OLD BOY HIMSELF
OLD HORNY
OLD MAN WITH THE HORNS
OLD NED
SCRATCH
ST. NICK
ANGEL OF LIGHT
ANTICHRIST
APOLLYON
BAD CAT
BAD MAN WITH THE PITCHFORK
BAD 'UN
BEALSEY-BUB
BELIAL
BILLY DEVIL
BOGEY MAN
BOOGIE-BOOGIE
CHERUB
DANTE
DARK ANGEL
DECEIVER

[packman]

1. Let me add two-

Morning Star

And of course-

Donald JayTeerump

[Major Nikon]

2. The "deceiver" carries with it a particular connotation

Many, if not most Christians believe the snake in the Genesis story is tool of Satan who convinces Eve to partake in the apple and Eve subsequently corrupts Adam.

But I am afraid that just as Eve was deceived by the serpent’s cunning, your minds may somehow be led astray from your sincere and pure devotion to Christ.

-- 2 Corinthians 11:3

Many Christians are indoctrinated into believing anything that attempts to turn them away from their faith is the work of the "deceiver". It's a tactic used to keep them in line by constantly reminding them to be paranoid of those who do not share their faith.

Catholics in particular are especially adept at this. If you think about it, it's the ultimate ad hominem. If someone says something that goes against their faith, they can be summarily dismissed as tools of the devil working in concert to corrupt them. Above most other things this is drilled into them at an early age. It's why trying to debate some of them on the subject of religion is fruitless.

[MineralMan]

3. That's true, MK.

Oh, wait...your initials are MN. My error.

[Major Nikon]

4. It's hard to keep all of us "choir" members straight sometimes

[MineralMan]

5. Well, that's true, I suppose.

I'm the basso profundo in the back row. The one with the big white beard. My wife says I'm "unforgettable." I hope she means that in a good sense...

[Major Nikon]

6. Borrow money from people when you can

They will never forget you.

[MineralMan]

7. LOL!

A good route toward immortality, that...