Sci-fi

Sci-fi is an abbreviation for science fiction. It was invented in the 1950s by Forrest J. Ackerman as a pun on the term "hi-fi." Many science fiction fans initially reacted negatively to the word. Another abbreviation for science fiction is "SF." However, "sci-fi" is more common in popular usage. Despite almost universal acceptance of the word, many older science fiction fans still cringe when they hear it. Sometimes the word is used to mean particularly poor or campy examples of science fiction. For example, under such usage, Plan 9 from Outer Space might be considered sci-fi. In this usage it is often spelled "skiffy" which is pronounced to rhyme with "jiffy". Another source of dislike for the sci-fi term is the tendency for the mainstream to use it as a collective term that lumps together not only true science fiction but fantasy, horror, comic books, cult films, special effects action films, and even borderline related genres such as anime and gaming. For example, the movie A Clockwork Orange is often considered sci-fi simply because it has a cult following, even though there's nothing in the movie to blatantly suggest sci-fi, except the assumption it takes place (from the perspective of 1971) in the not too distant future. See also: Speculative fiction

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The name "Sci Fi" also is used by: \n*a British satellite television channel; see Sci Fi Channel (United Kingdom)\n* a United States television channel; see Sci Fi Channel (United States)