Potapych, like Toptygin, is probably also primarily a literary reference. It's the name of a rather pompous servant in 'A Protégée of the Mistress' by Ostróvsky. Ostróvsky frequently gives to the persons in his plays names that suggest their characteristics. Thus, from the same play, the name MADAM ULANBÉKOV 'hints at a Circassian origin and a tyrannical disposition'. So the meaning of Potapych may be irrelevant: it just 'sounds' pompous. You can read the play here:
http://www.gutenberg.net/1/0/7/2/10722/10722-8.txt 
Post a Message
Search
Help/Rules/FAQ
Archives
Board Home
Other Boards