What's the difference between a trekkie and a trekker?

Discussion in 'General Trek Discussion' started by RB_Kandy, Sep 7, 2012.

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  1. SimpleLogic

    SimpleLogic Guest

    I thought we all decided just to be Spiner-Fems, and to forget the whole Trekkie/Trekker debackle.
     
  2. Gary7

    Gary7 Vice Admiral Admiral

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    AFAIC, the "Trekkie" has always been a more juvenile distinction from "Trekker" (like a fan who just loves it, versus a fan who is more serious). But, if someone calls me either one, I don't really mind. ;)
     
  3. teacake

    teacake Fleet Admiral Admiral

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    :guffaw:

    I was always boggled at the Femmes part.. but hey I guess it just evolved that way like Bronies. I'm sure there are some boy Spiner Femmes..
     
  4. Forbin

    Forbin Admiral Admiral

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    Well, I was a Trekkie in 1966, and I see no reason to change now.

    Hey, aren't we supposed to all be in this thing together? All fans of the same thing? I never understood why a "branch" of that fandom wanted to separate itself from a "less desireable" branch. That is definitely NOT in the spirit of Star Trek.

    So if you're calling yourself a Trekker because you think you're better than Trekkies. Got off your high horse and get a grip, pal. And if you think Trekker is more dignified sounding than Trekkie, you should also realize that 95% of the rest of the world still thinks you're a dweeb like the rest of us. :lol:
     
  5. Greg Cox

    Greg Cox Admiral Premium Member

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    I find the whole "Trekker" thing slightly silly, but, to be fair, I have no memories or personal experiences of ever being on the receiving end of "Trekkie" as an insult.

    Is this actually an issue out there in the world these days? Is "Trekkie" actually considered an insult in some quarters?

    Granted, my high school years are decades in the past, but I don't remember the word "Trekkie" being thrown in my face. Nor was this ever an issue at any of the mainstream jobs I worked back in the day.
     
  6. CorporalCaptain

    CorporalCaptain Fleet Admiral Admiral

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    When I was made fun of growing up for liking Star Trek, it was for liking Star Trek. The name "trekkie" had nothing to do with it.

    And, if I had said, "No, you don't understand: I'm not a trekkie; I'm a trekker," it would have only made them laugh all the harder, predictably, as others have pointed out already.
     
  7. skilzkid

    skilzkid Ensign Red Shirt

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    I'm trying to remember if I've ever heard the term "Trekker" in conversation at all, and I cannot recall ever hearing the term. I would think that the differences in the use of the words come more in context and depend on the person saying it than which word is chosen.
     
  8. sonak

    sonak Vice Admiral Admiral

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    That's what "trekkers" tried to tell themselves, to look down on other fans as somehow more nerdy or fanatic about it, but it's a fake distinction made after the fact.

    As others have pointed out, "trekker" was just invented because the term "trekkie" had come to have a negative connotation. Kind of sad that fans didn't just decide to stick with the original term and own it.
     
  9. Forbin

    Forbin Admiral Admiral

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    I did. I'm a Trekkie and I'm proud. :techman:
     
  10. grabthars hammer

    grabthars hammer Captain Captain

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    'Trekkers' are what 'Trekkers' think 'Trekkies' are.
     
  11. poundpuppy29

    poundpuppy29 Commander Red Shirt

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    I didn't hear the Term Trekker till I got online I am a Trekkie Proud!!!
     
  12. Romulus Prime

    Romulus Prime Lieutenant Commander Red Shirt

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    THIS x 10. I love that video AND Shatner's Get a Life skit from 1986.

    :rommie: :bolian:
     
  13. Romulus Prime

    Romulus Prime Lieutenant Commander Red Shirt

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    QFT, and one of the main reasons I'd rather be called a Trekkie.

    :bolian:
     
  14. Carol Pruitt

    Carol Pruitt Cadet Newbie

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    You're absolutely correct about "trekker" predating TNG by a good many years. But I did not invent either of those words, I merely used them in my newszine DECK 6, thus inadvertently establishing them as already current in 1970. As a matter of fact, Linda Stanley explained "trekker" and "trekkie" to me at St. Louiscon in 1969 (though she didn't claim to have coined them either).

    At that time, old-line SF fans were seeing their cons "invaded" by hordes of Trek fans, to many of whom SF was synonymous with Trek. It was my impression that "trekkie" was their derogatory word for us, and "trekker" was our attempt to salvage some dignity. That's probably an oversimplification, though, because both words predate my involvement in organized fandom.
     
  15. CorporalCaptain

    CorporalCaptain Fleet Admiral Admiral

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    Thank you for the correction, Carol Pruitt. And welcome to the board!
     
  16. HIjol

    HIjol Vice Admiral Admiral

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    Trekkers do woodsie-outdoorsie stuff

    Trekkies do cool outer space stuff

    There is absolutely nothing wrong with Trekkers.

    It is just that "Trekkers" are not Star Trek fans.

    "Trekkies" are.
     
  17. eyeresist

    eyeresist Rear Admiral Rear Admiral

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    I was going to say something like that. The term Trekker is a judgemental reaction to the term "Trekkie". As though using a different word can give your fannishness some middle-class respectability. In fact, the opposite is the case.

    Consider:
    Versus:

    I would just call myself a fan. The two Trek-words imply a level of monomania that doesn't apply to me. I say this without judgement!
     
  18. Greg Cox

    Greg Cox Admiral Premium Member

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    Bizarrely, a relative actually asked me if I was a "Trekker" this weekend. I was surprised that he'd even heard the term, which I didn't think was used outside fannish circles.

    I explained to him that there was really no difference between "Trekkie" and "Trekker"--although some people did have strong feelings on the subject.
     
  19. Karzak

    Karzak Commodore Commodore

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    An 'i' and an 'r.'
     
  20. eyeresist

    eyeresist Rear Admiral Rear Admiral

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    My parents are "trekkers" - they have a weekly hiking group. :)
     
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