[Fwd: Re: [MR] a little history on the terms we use]

[Denise Nelson]

(with a lot of snippage)

aelfwynn of whitby wrote:

>Now
>we're discussing the merits of those terms, which were often chosen for
>their whimsical value. (Whimsy is a good thing; the world needs more of
it!)
>The terms were chosen to help create a sense of other worldliness, to
help
>those attending feel as though they were stepping outside of modern life.
>Using Troll for "reservations clerk", dragon for car, and farspeaker for
>telephone definitely do that, whether or not they are period. 


Perhaps you're hitting the nail on the head here.  Those who are 
searching for a more period word aren't trying to create a sense of 
"other worldiness", they (myself included) are trying to create a sense 
of "medievaliness."  The criteria isn't "does is sound like my hum-drum 
day to day life?" but rather "does it sound medieval?" since they are 
trying to escape to a particular place and time (rather than just trying 
to escape).

Yep, I resent non-period intrusions at events.  I don't want to be 
reminded of the modern world when I'm trying to pretend that I'm 
elsewhere and elsewhen.  Rather than delighting in the whimsy of 
something obtrusively modern, I'd like to find examples of what my 
persona would have found humorus and stretch myself in that direction.  
I'm not going to force you on that journey with me, but I'd appreciate 
it if you would try not to be so obtrusive in your personal journey.

Lady Alienor de Narbonne