The Title
'Trainspotting' is a slang term for injecting heroin: the drug running along the 'tracks' or veins. It is also said that 'trainspotting' is slang for spotting the drugdealer, or being on the look out for a drugdealer.
Another possible reason is that it may be in reference to an episode where Begbie and Renton meet "an auld drunkard" in the disused Leith Central railway station, which they are visiting to use as a toilet. He asks them if they are "trainspottin", as Renton is urinating onto the stonework (trains have not run to Leith since 1952). As they walk away from the drunk, Renton realises the drunk is Begbie's father. The chapter's relevance to the overall themes of the novel is debatable (worth noting is the fact that Begbie grew up without a father, as well as the fact that his similar irresponsible treatment of his own children will ensure that they turn out exactly like him).
Read more about this topic: Trainspotting (novel)
Famous quotes containing the word title:
“One generation passeth away, and another generation cometh: but the earth abideth for ever. The sun also ariseth, and the sun goeth down, and hasteth to the place where he arose.”
—Bible: Hebrew Ecclesiastes, 1:4-5.
Ernest Hemingway took the title The Sun Also Rises (1926)
“Bolkenstein, a Minister, was speaking on the Dutch programme from London, and he said that they ought to make a collection of diaries and letters after the war. Of course, they all made a rush at my diary immediately. Just imagine how interesting it would be if I were to publish a romance of the “Secret Annexe.” The title alone would be enough to make people think it was a detective story.”
—Anne Frank (1929–1945)