At 12:37 AM 2/2/96 -0600, J. Anton Elmquist wrote:
>Boxer? From boxing? Absolutely!

<snip>

>Since "Boxer" means (in German) either a boxer (the guy who punches people) or 
>a horizontally opposed engine, I think the derivation is right on. My .02. 

<snip>

>From: 	vanagon@lenti.med.umn.edu on behalf of Maher, Steve (SD-MS)
>Sent: 	February 01, 1996 10:57 AM
>To: 	Multiple recipients of list
>Subject: 	Re: 'Boxer' engine
>
>
>>>The origin of the term is unclear.
>>
>>I thought it was because the pistons' movements are reminiscent of the
>>fists of two boxers pounding each other. <?>
>

Hogwash, 'Boxer' refers to the cantankerous nature of these engines and the 
fact that their intrinsic behaviour can be revolting at times.  I 
respectfully submit that these engines were named after the famous 'Boxer 
Rebellion' in China, a much larger scale punch-up than a couple of brawling 
German sluggo's.

Tim Smith

PS: it's been Friday for 3 hours over on this side of the planet, now where 
did my brain go?  ;>