Sci Fi

Sci Fi is an abbreviation for Science Fiction that was introduced in 1954 by Forrest J. Ackerman and influenced by the popularity of “hi-fi.” Initially, the term was used in a derogatory manner. At first, the abbreviation was not adopted by the Science Fiction community, rather it was used by journalists, other media types, and people who did not read Science Fiction, sometimes with a condescending tone. Members of the Sci Fi community, like Terry Carr and Damon Knight, began using the term to distinguish so-called Sci Fi hacks. The sci fi term was applied to works that were sensational and not well written. These works are filled with monstrous aliens, crude flying saucers, ill-thought out technology, a disregard for science, and is generally 'dumbed-down' for mass consumption. In opposition to the sci fi term, within the science fiction community the abbreviation 'sf' became popular.

In pop culture, SciFi often refers to films with some type of science fiction setting (Aliens, Star Wars, Star Trek, Minority Report, I, Robot, etc).

In recent years the derogatory tone of the term has regressed and sci fi has started to become the default term for Science Fiction. Regardless, the term sf, or just science fiction without abbreviation, is still in use within the science fiction community.

Insiders (i.e. those part of the Science Fiction community) tend to look at the Sci Fi term as science fiction that in not concerned with the technical aspects of the "science" but rather the story, characters, or setting. Outsiders see Sci Fi the same as Science Fiction.

Note: this list showcases books that have characteristics that are not usually valued in the Sci Fi community and may be described by some with the term sci fi (in a condescending manner). This is not to say these works do not offer anything to the genre of Science Fiction or that some readers won't enjoy them.
1 Dancers at the End of Time

By Michael Moorcock. A lighthearted tale that is slightly absurd at times.
2 The Crystal Star

By Vonda N. McIntyre. Written by an award winning author, this Star Wars universe story resorts to common tropes.
3 Interstellar Empire

By John Brunner. A Space Opera novel that uses just about every Sci Fi cliché there is.
4 Planet of the Voles

By Charles Platt. A Military Sci Fi story with little scientific realism.
5 Star Winds

By Barrington J. Bayley. A book that has some debauchery, little character development, and the technology has little relation to real science.
6 Star Watchman

By Ben Bova. This 1964 novel brings up interesting and stimulating ideas, but does not explore them.
7 Jokertown

By George R.R. Martin An example of sensational Sci Fi, this novel features vivid violence and gratuitous sex.
8 Projekt Saucer series

By W.A. Harbinson. So it turns out the Nazis invented flying saucers.
9 Legends of Dune

By Kevin J. Anderson and Brian Herbert. These novels don't compare to Frank Herbert's original Dune sequence and have been viewed as a money grab.
10 Space Train

By Terence Haile. Implausible aliens, a ridiculous villain, a disregard for science, and a huge space crab.

Other Features of Sci Fi

Level of Real Science
None. Works that fall into the sci fi category sensationalize futuristic science and technology and ignore scientific principles.
Level of Grand Ideas/Social Implications
None. These stories are pure entertainment and appeal to the lowest common denominator.
Level of Characterization
Low. Stock characters are typical in sci fi stories and little time is spent developing them.
Level of Plot Complexity
Low. Plots are simple and easy to follow.
Level of Violence
Moderate. Violence is often used as a plot device and aides in the sensational feel of the story. Sci fi violence tends not to be graphic or particularly realistic.

Related Science Fiction subgenres

Pulp Science Fiction. Like sci fi, Pulp Sci Fi offers little intellectual stimulation and follows simplistic plot lines. The actual "Science" is not explained and assumed as is. Pulp Sci Fi does have its own unique style.