Terminology for future technology

[Omits]

Could I credibly use the term 'quantum metamaterials' in a Sci-Fi novel to generally describe such tech as gravity control and material which can morph into other shapes?

 

[Harpo]

Applied Phlebotinum?

 

[Wayne Mack]

Given that this sounds like a soft science story, I say go ahead and use it. It's a cool sounding term.

Technically, I don't see quantum mechanics affecting gravity nor having an effect on material shape, but I wouldn't let something like that get in the way of a good story.

 

[Biskit]

“When I use a word,’ Humpty Dumpty said in rather a scornful tone, ‘it means just what I choose it to mean — neither more nor less.’​

I've got a stub of a novel that uses "bovafaecium" as a name for some vaguely specified pseudo-metallic meta-trans-exo-matter. The credibility of your technobabble depends on how well you sell it. My current WIP draws on vast chunks of future human history, so I have a fine selection of names for things, some with tongue further in cheek than others.

 

[Biskit]

Given that this sounds like a soft science story, I say go ahead and use it. It's a cool sounding term.

Technically, I don't see quantum mechanics affecting gravity nor having an effect on material shape, but I wouldn't let something like that get in the way of a good story.

"Quantum" has to be one of the most useful words going for a writer, with "meta" a close second, because readers mentally nod as if they know what it means, and move on. I did a lot of quantum mechanics as an undergrad, and was under the illusion that I sort of understood it. A few years ago I watched a documentary on QM by Jim Al-Khalili, and had a serious "oh, that's what it means" moment.

Terry Pratchett understood. When in doubt, just say it's quantum.

 

[Guttersnipe]

Sounds charming and fun. I'd go with it. The term seems clear enough.

 

[Cthulhu.Science]

Sounds like a great term to me.

In building inspections, there is a commonly used term "BOG" when black stuff is observed at a window, door or around plumbing.
The term is sometimes written out as bio-organic growth. Which of course is stupid because it is simply a combination of three terms suggesting something is organic.

It is also a stupid term because there really isn't a way to know the black stuff is organic unless it is tested to find out. So, the term used by experts is "living-living-living" for something that may very well be dead.

The point is this: Terminology, even used by experts, is occasionally non-sensical. Use any term that sounds cool. It's what people do.

Enjoy!

 

[Biskit]

Sadly, this triggered a sideways thought and reminds me of a place I used to work. "My" building had to be closed for a month whilst specialists came in and removed all the asbestos lagging from the pipes. All was well until a few years later when there was a problem with pigeons getting in, attacking the layer of asbestos insulation still inside the walls and dropping fire-retardant pigeon poo around the building, which had to be closed on account of the mineral contamination of biological waste material.