Where does it come from?

Amanda N · April 03, 2008, 11:59:11 AM

So I see a bunch of people using the term 'flit' in references to firelizard. I don't really care for this term, but if people want to use it, they can as long as they don't expect me to. ;-)

That, however, brings to mind a question. Where did this term come from? Is it from fandom writings or was the term coined in one of the books and I just don't remember because it's been years since I have read any of them?

Jane · April 03, 2008, 12:47:12 PM

Wow. I don't often find people who feel this way about 'flit' - that is, the same way I do! I've always had the idea it's a Fandom invention and I'd be interested in anybody who could show that it's not.

I'm like you Amanda. Others can use it - if they must! - but I dislike it and don't use it.

kurt · April 03, 2008, 01:38:34 PM

Add me to the "don't like flit" crowd.

IMNSHO, fireflizards are due a little more dignity than the term "flit" or "flitter" affords.

Now, "flizzards" on the other hand... :D

Eimi · April 03, 2008, 02:48:04 PM

I tend to use both. I think they're called "flits" because they flitter around and its easier for lazy people such as myself to type XD

But I know how you guys feel. It was a serious peeve of mine when I first came, but I got used to it :D I think of it as a slang term that naturally developed over time.

(Though since I have never been to any other Weyrs, I did not know that they used it too! Interesting...)

PastMember · April 03, 2008, 04:57:07 PM

When I first saw the term I was really confused, until it clicked. I hated the term, but then I adjusted, and now it seems normal and I don't think of it too much.

Dana · April 03, 2008, 08:38:17 PM

The word "flit" never really bothered me. Firelizards are silly creatures, after all :D Endearing too, in their own way--I'm a big fan. But now I'm curious to know how the term originated :D

Amanda N · April 03, 2008, 08:42:46 PM

Quote from: "Dana"The word "flit" never really bothered me. Firelizards are silly creatures, after all :D Endearing too, in their own way--I'm a big fan. But now I'm curious to know how the term originated :D

I had a character once who called them 'lizzies'.

Dana · April 03, 2008, 08:46:15 PM

Quote from: "Amanda N"
Quote from: "Dana"The word "flit" never really bothered me. Firelizards are silly creatures, after all :D Endearing too, in their own way--I'm a big fan. But now I'm curious to know how the term originated :D

I had a character once who called them 'lizzies'.

That's cute, Amanda

I wish I could have a firelizard companion sometimes. How fun would that be--to walk around town with a mini dragon perched on your shoulder?

Amanda N · April 03, 2008, 08:58:46 PM

Quote from: "Dana"That's cute, Amanda I wish I could have a firelizard companion sometimes. How fun would that be--to walk around town with a mini dragon perched on your shoulder?

Well, the character was a cute child, so it worked.

I even had her write a song about lizzies. I still have a copy. Perhaps I shall use it in a Kitali post. :-D It's not a very good song but...oh well.

Cali · April 04, 2008, 05:40:09 AM

I don't like the flit term either. I asked Todd about it a few years back and he said it was a fandom invention gone crazy. The original origin is probably buried deep in MOO, MUSH, or Zine history. ;D