SF vs. Sci-Fi: A Poll

[Finnien]

I stick to Sci-Fi because there's less room for misinterpretation. However, sf&f tends to work even better just because it cuts down on time spent debating what's science fiction, what's future fantasy, what's space opera (and which of the two does space opera fall into)...

[Finnien]

Oddly enough (as a footnote), I'm taking a genre class for a film studies minor next semester, and the genre is Global SF. Other genres are noir, gangster, western, musical, screwball comedy, and horror. It'll be interesting to see what films the class covers, and whether or not it branches into fantasy just out of convenience, or if it sticks strictly to science fiction.

[Tristann_Good]

Originally Posted by Finnien

I stick to Sci-Fi because there's less room for misinterpretation. However, sf&f tends to work even better just because it cuts down on time spent debating what's science fiction, what's future fantasy, what's space opera (and which of the two does space opera fall into)...

I never thought of it that way but that's true, SF&F covers your bases, so no arguing!

I can see how sci-fi may be looked at as more nerdy or even a little camp but I am nerdy and proud, so it's not an issue for me. Personally I say sci-fi, but I didn't realise that SF vs sci-fi was such a huge issue... I might be more careful after reading this thread

[J-WO]

I prefer the term SF but always end up saying Sci-Fi! Think that probably makes me a hypocrite.

[hopewrites]

I dont think so, it's shorter to type SF but easier to vocalize Sci-Fi.

I think to qualify for hypocrisy you have to do something you say your against others doing.

[Fishbowl Helmet]

I grew up reading all kinds of science fiction, and that's what I called it. Science fiction. It must have been at a convention in the mid-'80s when I first heard "sci-fi" as a moniker for the genre, so that's what I used for years. Still do most days, and in most mentions of the science fiction genre.

It wasn't till I met a friend who was more plugged into the writer's side of things that I heard about the apparently lowly and derisive nature of the term "sci-fi". But, this was also the first time I heard about "speculative fiction" as well. This writer insisted that SF was speculative fiction and science fiction was a subgenre, along with horror, fantasy, and a few others. He also insists on calling the bunch "spec-fic". To each their own.

Frankly, I don't think it matters in the least until it causes confusion, or stops readers from accessing the genre. If you can locate what you like on the shelf, that's what counts.

I love a lot of the older, campy science fiction. If that's labeled as sci-fi, while the more high-brow aliens and dilating doors is called SF, who cares? It's all fun to read and watch. I don't have the time or patience for pretense or affectation. If the only way to attempt a 'legitimizing' of the genre--that is, making it more acceptable to the mainstream--is to denounce the older, campier bits of the genre, then count me out. If the only way to keep it all and have fun with it is to keep SF in the ghetto, then so be it.

[Utlendr]

Coming from the military, I can't look at "SF" as anything but Special Forces.

[Kylara]

Haha Utlendr everytime I go to the airport to travel home for a weekend SAS is everywhere, and I am always disappointed that they don't disgorge SAS personnel...just boarding passes

Hmm SF or Sci-Fi...in my work I use SF - it distinguishes between different views (coming from the project I started but had to drop) these two are actually the most well loved by fans of the genre...you get a load of derogatory riffs on them though which I hate...I don't go around giving changing the word 'chicklit' to my (rhyming) view of it, it's just not done, but they feel happy stabbing at SF and making fun of the name as well...but yes, I vary between the two, but in written "work" I use SF, and when handwriting SF (quicker) but it doesn't bug me, what does are the rude people I mentioned earlier...

[Gordian Knot]

As I understand the background, it was always Sci-Fi, until the genre starting being recognized by the population at large. At that time SF came to be the term one used to identify one who was a dedicated science fiction fan as opposed to those who were not.

It was not so much elitist as it was the lingo of the dedicated group. Every group, be it doctors, cosmologists, or book collectors have their own intra group lingo. Words a nonmember would not necessarily understand.

It has pretty much always been that way; a human nature kinda thing.

[Vince W]

I use the term sci-fi, but it doesn't bother me if someone uses sf.

[planetocean]

I use Sci-Fi but does not really matter, I think it depends what you are using it for. Like maybe writing something and you use SCI FI and then just to shorten it you use SF your just shortening the word.

[Victoria Silverwolf]

I tend to say "SF." Back in the old days, it used to be assumed among many SF fans that "sci-fi" was used to describe less sophisticated kinds of SF. "Buck Rogers" and the like was "sci-fi."

Sometimes I say "skiffy" is a sort of semi-sarcastic way. I forget where I first heard that version of "sci-fi."

I also prefer SF because, interpreted as "speculative fiction," it can include fantasy perfectly well.

[The Ace]

I always say, 'Science Fiction,' anyone pronouncing the, 'C,' should be shot in any case.

[Rodders]

It doesn't bother me what it's called, as long as it's enjoyed.

[ginny]

I'm a fan of both:
or maybe all. SF; Sci-Fi ; Science Fiction ; Speculative Fiction ; Science Fiction Fantasy.
Speculative fiction has taken on a broad picture encompassing many more than just these.
Of course anyone nervous about using SCI-FI can just call it SCIence-FIction
if it makes them break out in hives. Just remember that it is the root of that which you are holding onto and the stem might also give you hives.

As to Skiffy that's just a plain derogatory term that should be avoided.

It is said that Susan Wood coined the phrase Skiffy and it began to be widely used in the late 70's