[jmercouris]

What does AutoPope mean though? The author glosses over this implying it means to pontificate- however- I have not seen this definition anywhere.

[AdamH12113]

Automatic Pope, presumably. Offering pontifications (opinions) via technology (automated). “Pontiff” is another word for pope.

[d-us-vb]

“Pontifications by email” makes it clear enough. Email is an automated message delivery system, and the pope delivers messages from above, soooo…

Such are many of the names coined by creative minds using the early internet.

[hammock]

Pontificate in its original sense literally means to perform the duties of a pope or priest (a pontiff). The auto part I guess because it’s email? That part is shakier

[beardyw]

"to speak or express opinions in a pompous or dogmatic way" is I think the intention.

[hammock]

Yes. I didn’t bother to mention that part, only the polysemous connection to pope.

[dfxm12]

Auto as in you get it automatically in your mailbox. No need to ask for it or otherwise seek it out. It's just sent to you.

ETA: other meanings likely don't fit. It's not about self pontificating (well maybe only from Charlie's point of view), and the motorcar related to the Pope is already called the Popemobile.

[bombcar]

Pontoon pontification - bridge building.

[layer8]

Clearly it means self-pontification.

[geor9e]

look up the word pontiff