"2IC" in Stargate fic

Feb 17, 2013 19:02

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em_kellesvig February 18 2013, 02:38:36 UTC
Since 2IC is an acronym like XO, MRE, BDU, etc., it's written in dialogue as is. FWIW, 2IC is Canadian (British Commonwealth) military for second-in-command while XO (executive officer) is used in US military. And yes, it is spoken as two eye see.

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tashabear February 18 2013, 06:04:20 UTC
And I think of "trousers" as belonging to my Class A or B uniform -- though I'd be even more likely to call them "trou". That said, that's because I went to military school. Trousers would work fine if you think Brits would tweak.

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dhamphir February 18 2013, 06:11:08 UTC
Yeah. If it's an American fandom, I use pants. Trousers, to me, are dressy - hence your Class A/B uniform.

Even on the military websites where you can order uniforms, they're called pants.

Personally, I think most of fandom has learned there are some words that are used differently in different countries. I no longer get an eye twitch when I read "jumper" or "car park" instead of "sweater" or "parking lot". My rule of thunb is write for the appropriate fandom = American fandom/American words/phrasing; British fandom/British words/phrasing. You have to remember that a character's words are part of the characterization. Cassie would never call Janet "mum." (SG-1)

eta because I left out a word

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starwatcher307 February 18 2013, 06:25:18 UTC
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I no longer get an eye twitch when I read "jumper" or "car park" instead of "sweater" or "parking lot".

Same here; I just make a mental translation and carry on.

You have to remember that a character's words are part of the characterization.

Exactly. I could write Danny (H50) saying, "Put on some pants, Steven," because he would. But, if it's the non-dialog narrative part of the story, I try to find a work-around instead of using 'pants'.

Just a quirk for my own writing; it doesn't bother me in anyone else's fic. Small enough that I can live with it.
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starwatcher307 February 18 2013, 05:37:20 UTC
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SGA uniforms don't appear in any military inventory.

Y'know, when you put it like that -- I'm not sure I'd expect SGA to use actual military uniforms, maybe to avoid stepping on anyone's figurative toes.

I would use the highly unusual and arcane term "uniform."

*snicker* I'll remember that.
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tashabear February 18 2013, 05:39:37 UTC
No one else worries about it. But they're a multi-national force; probably the thought of sourcing uniforms from so many countries gave the costume department the vapors.

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dhamphir February 18 2013, 05:41:19 UTC
THIS! *LMAO*

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