The gnu tools are a very small part of the overall system, and they are probably some of the most replaceable (and replaced). The kernel is a lot less so, and w

The gnu tools are a very small part of the overall system, and they are probably some of the most replaceable (and replaced). The kernel is a lot less so, and while it's comparable in size it's also the common thread that people want to refer to when they say "linux systems." Besides, neither the kernel nor the gnu tools are used all that much by a regular user. The desktop environment, the browser, office tools, etc. are much, much more visible to the end user. In any case, it makes a lot more sense to say just "linux" than to arbitrarily "gnu/" in front just to placate some pedants. Say "gnu" when you're talking about gnu, not when you're talking about linux.