This is apparently a quite controversial issue. The arguments over which abbreviation to use for science fiction run hot among those of us with nothing better to rant about. Scifi is the more common term, and it just rolls trippingly off the tongue. However, it has been appropriated by the general public to refer to a whole lot more than just science fiction. Now, a lot of science fiction purists (me included) get snippy when people use the term to describe allspeculative fiction, including fantasy and horror. The argument goes these are not science fiction because they do not involve science, therefore they shouldn’t be called scifi. Because of this issue, a lot of the purists have decided to use SF as the abbreviation for science fiction, to show that they really mean science fiction, and ONLY science fiction, and no elves or unicorns or wizards are going to be leaping out from behind bushes at unsuspecting readers happily wandering along and looking for cool gadgets and time travel.
I understand where they are coming from. However, after careful consideration, I have decided I don’t agree with this path. I like the term scifi. It is what I grew up with, it is easy both to say and write, and it just makes me smile. So I’m not going to surrender it to those who would ruin its meaning. I’m going to fight for it. So henceforth I will use the term scifi as it is meant to be used and if I see anyone misusing it, I will correct them.
So there. That is my opinion. (Imagine me sticking out my tongue and stomping my foot emphatically.)
Anyone else agree or disagree?
Posted by truscifi 
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