Xenocide

Hi,

Like the others I understood immediately what was meant by the term, though I would have been perfectly happy with genocide. After all the xeno part refers to strangers, and its how you define strangers that determines which word fits best.

Lets take Star Trek for example. Would the mass murder of Vulcans really be xenocide? They are aliens after all, but they aren't really strangers.

Cheers, Greg.
 
Personally, I'd prefer genocide (there's a phrase I don't use often!) because it is a recognisable word to everyone. Similarly, I've used "people" to mean "intelligent, self-aware creatures". But I think either is fine so long as the meaning is clear, which it ought to be.

On a sort-of-related note, I always think that there should be a different word for homophobia, which surely refers to fear rather than hatred. "Myshomism" sounds like an obscure religious sect, though.
 
Didn't anyone Google this? Xenocide is a defined term. I would even maintain Springs that it is the absolute correct term. --- In agreement with many here. --- Of course we tend to be a bit more literate than average; and a whole lot more in tune with SF that average. So, the Google test. It passes.
 
I'm am afraid this is the first time I've ever heard of it, but I do like the fact that there is a difference in termanlology. I say go with it and if someone such as myself is confronted by the term I don't think it'll make that much of a difference. Just my personal thought. (Thanks for the lesson though.
 
It is not just Scifi but in fantasy as well as I remember coming across the term in a novel about elves. Or was it fairies? Either way said species of non-human was on the verge of being eradicated due to over whelming iron and chemical toxicity thanks to the ever present pollution of modern life. if I remember correctly the term xenocide was proposed as a means of saving the elves/fairies in return.
 
I would say any SF reader will generally be familiar with the variety of Xeno- derived words that appear in SF. I'm sure they would all understand it. Certainly OSC didn't seem to have any problem with it. Pretty sure Banks uses it in his culture books as well.
 
I didnt know it till I came here, but I guessed at its meaning well enough, even out of context, to follow.

So even if it wasnt as widely known as those here have asserted it is (and I believe them, just saying if) it would be easy enough to follow what is meant that I wouldnt worry about using it.
 
Hex said:
I vaguely recall having to think about it when I first encountered it.

I wouldn't worry, springs -- it's one person's opinion that the word is too complicated. You can happily ignore one person (I do it all the time).
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You're married then? :p
 
I would have assumed it meant the destruction of all aliens (back-forming it from xenophobia). But since genocide is too narrow, it's probably the best you can get, and if it's already established in sff as meaning an alien species, then you're good.
 
I think you'd even get away with the word if it were to be in a throwaway line and never seen again:
He spent his spare time pursuing a number of hobbies, philately, xenocide and gardening amongst them.
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