Author Topic: Flyer or Flier? (Read 2328 times)

Ela · « **on:** March 20, 2008, 01:14:24 PM »

I have always used "flyer" when referring to one page hand-out or brochure. A woman (a journalist by training) with whom I am corresponding today is using the word "flier" to mean the same thing.

Are both acceptable? Are they interchangeable? Is one preferable over the other? Does one mean a handout/brochure and the other mean someone who is flying up in the air? Have I been using the wrong word all these years?

Thanks for your input.

Jonathon · « **Reply #1 on:** March 20, 2008, 01:21:53 PM »

Merriam-Webster says that the "advertising circular" sense is "usually flyer," and that seems to be what I see most of the time (it's also what I use). "Flier" is okay, I think, but not very common. I'd pick "flyer" just to avoid any potential confusion.

Edit: Though I should point out that the Columbia Guide to Standard American English does not make note of this distinction.

Zalmoxis · « **Reply #2 on:** March 20, 2008, 01:25:54 PM »

AP Style says it should be flier.

"Flier is the preferred term for an aviator or a handbill. Flyer is the proper name for some trains and buses."

Of course, I know how Jonathon feels about AP Style, but I just thought I'd offer the alternative view anyway.

Ela · « **Reply #3 on:** March 20, 2008, 01:26:21 PM »

Nice to know that I have been using the correct word. Some of the things that came up on a google search seemed to suggest otherwise.

Jonathon · « **Reply #4 on:** March 20, 2008, 01:30:08 PM »

Well, technically, you've been using one of the correct words. You certainly haven't been using the wrong word.

Zalmoxis · « **Reply #5 on:** March 20, 2008, 01:32:27 PM »

I think we should go back to calling them handbills. For some reason the word flyer (or flier) has never set well with me.

Probably because invariably the word is going to lead to me having to look at something hideous and not well-written.

rivka · « **Reply #6 on:** March 20, 2008, 03:26:04 PM »

Quote

I think we should go back to calling them handbills. For some reason the word flyer (or flier) has never set well with me.

Probably because invariably the word is going to lead to me having to look at something hideous and not well-written.

And this is MUCH better!

Neutros the Radioactive Dragon · « **Reply #7 on:** March 20, 2008, 03:29:06 PM »

200 Jack Asses? Sign me up!

Jonathon · « **Reply #8 on:** March 20, 2008, 03:32:59 PM »

Quote

200 JACK ASSES!

That's not something that people usually advertise.

rivka · « **Reply #9 on:** March 20, 2008, 03:33:13 PM »

I think that might be the price . . .

Ela · « **Reply #10 on:** March 21, 2008, 12:19:50 AM »

So I guess the links I found saying some use flyer and others use flier is correct.

Flier looks weird to me.

And just so you know, I responded to Jon's first post and didn't see Zal's till now, when I came back and re-read the thread.

Ela · « **Reply #11 on:** March 24, 2008, 11:10:19 AM »

My daughter has informed me that the OED says both "flier" and "flyer" are acceptable for both the leaflet sense and the "thing that flies" sense.

She is very into the OED.

Jonathon · « **Reply #12 on:** March 24, 2008, 11:14:50 AM »

It's worth noting that the OED, though it claims to be a world English dictionary, is still pretty biased towards British English.

In this instance it appears fine and even pretty helpful, though. The definition of "small handbill or fly-sheet" appears to be limited to the US, and most of the citations use the "flyer" spelling, which supports the claim that it's more common but that both are acceptable.

Ela · « **Reply #13 on:** March 24, 2008, 11:23:58 AM »

Quote

It's worth noting that the OED, though it claims to be a world English dictionary, is still pretty biased towards British English.

That's what I told her.