Why don't we just stop using the word JavaScript, in favor of ECMAScript?

Question

The question says it all.

Answer 1

There is a difference between ECMAScript and JavaScript, isn't there?

ECMAScript is a well-defined language (spec here).

JavaScript is a dialect of it, not a full implementation as far as I understand, plus it contains what five generations of browsers did to it.

As Christoph points out in his comment, Microsoft's implementation of ECMAScript is actually called JScript, and the word "Javascript" is licensed to the Mozilla foundation.

The general perception, I think, is that of JavaScript as the sum of every browser's implementation of ECMAScript. It would be horrendously confusing to change that, and factually incorrect.

Answer 2

Say your question out loud and you will find it is its own answer.

If you spell it out then the five syllables of EEE-SEE-emm-EH script are quite a mouthful. And if you attempt to pronounce it as a word it will come out sounding like EczemaScript, which will lead to a rash of jokes.

Besides, "JavaScript" is the more than just widely used, it is embedded. No way are you going to be able to stop people saying "JavaScript".

edit

By a spooky coincidence I have just watched the Steve Yegge keynote from the OSCON 2007, in which he talks about branding and software. He touches on the issue of JavaScript vs ECMAScript. Without reaching a conclusion, it's true, but Steve is always good value. Watch it now.