Is "flipper" really the wrong word?

[xyrandomyx]

CRAP! I got a bad pair. They both say L. No wonder I've been swimming in circles.

Mine both say 'M' -- very confusing since I don't have a Middle foot. Ah, I suppose that's what I get for being cheap and not buying the split flippppers.

 

[dfx]

If you are a seal feel free to say flippers, but the you shouldn't be on a scuba forum.

I understand that fish have fins and seals (among other marine creatures) have flippers, but clearly humans are neither?

 

[Diver0001]

Lol I was scrolling through the forum and saw a post I didn't make, when I opened it, I saw ow I did make it.

Diving with my local lds we have a fun rule. Saying flipper, oxygen or leaving a tank standing up. Would result in you making the other divers some delicious apple pie.

Jord

I need to go diving with you more often!

I like apple pie

R..

 

[jord1990]

I understand that fish have fins and seals (among other marine creatures) have flippers, but clearly humans are neither?

That's a good point maybe we should change it to underwater propulsion slipper.

Jord

 

[tracydr]

I have not used the term flippers in years... but will start now! If it was good enough for Mike Nelson it works for me.

I say flippers and goggles every once in awhile just because I know it drives my husband crazy. That and putting the goggles on my forehead. He's an old school instructor, its good to give him something to worry about every once in awhile.

 

[Diver0001]

English isn't my first language, so maybe one of the people who think that "flippers" is wrong, can explain what the difference between a flipper and a fin is?

In the context of scuba diving the meaning of those two words are 100% synonymous. There is literally zero difference.

However, in all languages words carry not only a "technical" definition but also an emotional definition or an "association".

In the case of the word "flipper" a lot of people think of either

- a particular dolphin that was the main character in a television series in the 1970's
- an appendage similar to an arm that can be found on a whale or a dolphin
- something that "flips"... which is to say it raises an association of something that sort of flaps around.

The word "fin", however carries an association as something that

- stabilizes
- controls direction
- increases mobility

Naturally there are regional differences and many different dialects of English; however, because of the "associations" many English speaking divers prefer the word "fin".

Both are "technically" correct words for the things you wear on your feet but the word "fin" seems to resonate better with a lot of people.

R..

 

[jord1990]

In the context of scuba diving the meaning of those two words are 100% synonymous. There is literally zero difference.

However, in all languages words carry not only a "technical" definition but also an emotional definition or an "association".

In the case of the word "flipper" a lot of people think of either

- a particular dolphin that was the main character in a television series in the 1970's
- an appendage similar to an arm that can be found on a whale or a dolphin
- something that "flips"... which is to say it raises an association of something that sort of flaps around.

The word "fin", however carries an association as something that

- stabilizes
- controls direction
- increases mobility

Naturally there are regional differences and many different dialects of English; however, because of the "associations" many English speaking divers prefer the word "fin".

Both are "technically" correct words for the things you wear on your feet but the word "fin" seems to resonate better with a lot of people.

R..

I think that this is also influenced by the instructor. I got taught that flippers is a no-no.

Ps: The next time when were going to dive I'll bring you an apple pie

Jord

 

[Diver0001]

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A ScubaBoard Staff Message...

Since the thread was split, I changed the title of this thread from "terminology" to "Is flipper really the wrong word". If anyone objects to this then please tell me and I'll change it back and/or request a title change through more official channels

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---------- Post added November 12th, 2013 at 06:58 PM ----------

I think that this is also influenced by the instructor. I got taught that flippers is a no-no.

Ps: The next time when were going to dive I'll bring you an apple pie

Jord

[hijack]
You're on! that guarantees that I'll call you in the spring

The last time one of my buddies gave me food it was a student who had ...well... developed a big crush on me and started baking for me before every lesson. My wife was not amused and told me I had to give the muffins away to the neighbours LOL. Alas... since then I seem to have lost the magic. I would like to think that I'm still cool but I guess I am no longer cool AND hot.

In fact, I was just thinking about that today. I was walking around the CS in Utrecht where there are lot of posters around with photo models on them for advertising.... and I was thinking to myself, "all these girls look like my daughter's friends". You have no idea how it feels to realize that you're basically "useless" in the sex appeal department... it's like someone chopped off your legs when you still feel like you could run the marathon...

I ate the muffins.
[/hijack]

R..

 

[SailNaked]

In the IT world the names of things can not be used interchangably and maintain understanding from the person you are speaking to,

however if I use fin or flipper, the same image comes to mind in a student and no one thinks shark or dolphin.

now if I said get your rubber baby buggy bumpers on, I might not be communicating.

words are used to communicate, being rightous on the nomenclature of something is just crap.

 

[mala]

if you dive in feet
read pressure in psi

you really should wear flippers.