char siu, raper

[Mark Mandel]

         [MAM]
>>>> Speculative fiction is full of lexons and usages that are found only
>>>> in a particular work, often for new meanings (start with "hobbit" and
>>>> work out from there)

       [BB]
>>> That's exactly the feeling I had. I sure don't care for it, but it
>>> should probably be recognized in the lexicon. BB

     [MAM]
>> If you mean "ser", I disagree. Words that are used only in a single
>> "universe" of fiction do not belong in a general dictionary, any more
>> than their protagonists belong in a biographical dictionary. Only if
>> they catch on in wider use do they become the business of the general
>> lexicon: e.g.,
>> * Tolkien's "dwarves", "orc" -- widely used now in fantasy and in
>> fantasy-based gaming
>> * Rowling's "muggle" -- used in contexts beyond discussion of the HP
>> series
>>


> [BB]
> If "ser" is used commonly in books, surely it should be considered for
> inclusion in a general lexicon. Excluding words in a single genre of
> fiction is unreasonable and would cause many other words to be
> eliminated. Perhaps this is possible if a word is limited to a genre
> (or subgenre) with limited circulation, but I don't think that is the
> case here. BB


I didn't mean to single out sf. This is the genre in question here AND
it has many invented words, because so many of the settings are
invented. My comment

     "Words that are used only in a single 'universe' of fiction do
not belong in a general dictionary, any more than their protagonists
belong in a biographical dictionary. Only if they catch on in wider
use do they become the business of the general lexicon"

would apply equally to, let's say, a slang term for a weapon or
technique, invented by the author of a military or spy novel/series.

--
Mark Mandel

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