Our Puzzle Master John Chaneski has a quiz for all the fans out there — as in fans of Star Trek, or The X-Files, or trains. Come to think of it, what would you call a fan of A Way with Words? This is part of a complete episode.
Transcript of “Fandom Quiz”
You’re listening to A Way with Words. I’m Martha Barnette.
And I’m Grant Barrett, and we’re joined now by our quiz guy, John Chaneski. Hello, John.
Hi, Grant. Hi, Martha. I’m back.
Hi, welcome back. What’s going on in New York City?
Today’s quiz for you guys is rather straightforward as quizzes go. I’m going to quiz you on a certain subset of words and see what you know.
Now, you might know a lot, you might not, but the subject of the quiz is fandoms. Fandoms, like being a fan of something.
That’s right. If you are a fan of something, anything, there is a massive group of people just like you out there, and they have a name for themselves.
Now, among the most well-known examples is the term for fans of the Star Trek TV and movie franchise, and they are known as, of course, Trekkers.
Trekkers.
Trekkers or Trekkies, either one. I’ll give you some clues. You just tell me some answers.
Now, one caveat. You must admit if you identify as one of these fans.
I am a Trekkie, by the way. I have a Star Trek wallet in my pocket. Okay?
Okay.
All right. Here we go.
Fans of the British sci-fi series Doctor Who call themselves what?
Whovians.
Whovians is correct.
Very good.
I identify as a Whovian, just so you know.
How familiar are you with the book movie series The Hunger Games?
That’s my question.
A little bit, yeah.
A little bit.
Okay.
What term from the book do Hunger Games fans call themselves?
Rumblings?
No, it’s the name of the bird, right?
Not the bird, no.
It’s not Mockingjays?
No.
I’ll give you a hint. It’s Webster’s definition is, something given or contributed voluntarily as due or deserved, especially a gift or service showing respect, gratitude, or affection.
Tributes?
Yes, tributes.
Because each region sends tributes to the main city to fight.
That’s right, and the fans call themselves tributes.
I like Hunger Games, but I’m not a tribute.
Perhaps the oldest known obsessive fans, this group tends to refer to the object of their affection as a historical figure rather than a fictional character?
Holmesians.
That’s right, Holmesians.
Oh, yeah.
I’d also accept Sherlockians.
Oh, yeah.
The Baker Street Irregulars.
The Baker Street Irregulars is an invitation-only literary society as a subset of the Holmesians, but yeah, that’s good knowing.
Coined by the artist herself, what is the preferred term for fans of the singer known as Lady Gaga?
Monsters.
Yeah, her little monsters.
Almost.
Little monsters, right?
Little monsters.
This is correct.
Very good.
It’s like a hand gesture they do, right?
Yeah, yeah.
That’s right.
Fans of the erstwhile paranormal television show The X-Files are known as what?
I have no idea.
Now, I didn’t think you would, so I’ll give you a hint. This is your hint. They are known as X-Files.
But how is that different from the name of the show?
Spelled with a P-H?
It’s spelled with a P-H.
Exactly.
Very good.
Not all of these are TV shows or movies. Besides train spotters, what is the term for someone who is obsessed with railroads and trains?
Oh.
Twitchers?
No.
That’s the birdie.
Oh.
I have a feeling this is in the back of Martha’s head.
It is.
It’s right back there.
Oh, Foamers.
Foamers.
Very good.
What three-movie sci-fi franchise has a fan base known as Backies?
Star Wars.
Back to the Future.
Oh.
Back to the Future is correct.
Yes.
I was thinking Chewbacca.
I don’t know.
That’s very good.
If I’m not mistaken, if you’re a fan of Star Wars, you are a Jedi.
Oh, right.
That’s just the way that works.
Yeah.
Very good.
Just a few more.
If you’re a ringer, you’re a fan of what book series?
Lord of the Rings.
Lord of the Rings.
Very good.
Here’s one more.
Many fans are diehard, but fans of what book and movie series are Twihards?
Oh, Twilight.
Twilight is correct.
Of course, they fall into the subcategories of Team Jacob and Team Edward, of course.
You guys did terrifically wonderful on your—what are the A Way with Words fans?
I was going to ask.
What are they called?
That’s your project for this week.
We need a fandom name for A Way with Words.
You might have to ask them.
Well, if you’ve got a fandom name for A Way with Words, give us a call, 877-929-9673.
John, thank you very much for a wonderful quiz.
Thanks, Grant. Thanks, Martha.
And if you’ve got questions about language or books or literature or poetry or anything at all, send us an email to words@waywordradio.org.
