SCAism

An SCAism is a term that has been coined or adopted by many in the SCA which is considered by some to be inappropriate either because it is a modern term, a constructed term, or a term which doesn't mean what it did in period. Unfortunately it is very hard to get rid of such words.

• An autocrat is in charge of an event.
• A feastocrat is in charge of the food at an event.
• A Victorian term remove is really a course.
• The term garb referred to a sheaf of wheat. People dress in clothing which may resemble their national costume.
• Smalls is not the correct plural form for a period reference to children.
• The Eric is an SCA word for the tourney field derived from an SCA nickname for the border rope.
• The List, the List field and the List Officer are all corruptions of the original word lists due to the paperwork of the said officer.
• A rhino or rhino-hider is a fighter who ignores blows.
• A garb nazi is someone overly critical of another's garb.

More authentic versions could be:

• Autocrat: Steward
• Feastocrat: Chief Cook
• Smalls: children or smale
• Eric: tourney field
• List field: tourney field
• List keeper/officer: lists keeper/officer

The word "SCAism" has also been extended to refer to traditions and practices that are particular to the SCA and its Known World, rather than mirroring those that were commonplace in period.

More examples

• www.goldenstag.net - An Unofficial Glossary of Terms As Used in the SCA: This includes general meanings of terms used in the SCA, including the SCAisms.