sf n.
Regarded by fans as the proper ‘serious’ abbreviation for science fiction n. 2, in contrast with sci-fi n., which is seen as being used only by outsiders, or among insiders to ridicule poor examples of science fiction.
SF Encyclopedia
SF Criticism
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1929 Science Wonder Stories June 92/3
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[In a list of proposed titles for a science-fiction magazine:] The S.F. Magazine. (Science-Fiction).
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1936 The Third Science Fiction Test in Wonder Stories Feb. 882/1
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The correct abbreviation for ‘science fiction’ is: (1) sfn. (2) sci-fic. (3) stn. (4) s-f.
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1954
Isaac Asimov
The foundation of S.F. success.
in Magazine of Fantasy & Science Fiction Oct. 69 (title) -
1977
Philip K. Dick
I used to dig in the garden, and there is nothing fantastic or ultradimensional about crab grass…unless you are an sf writer, in which case pretty soon you are viewing crab grass with suspicion.
in We can Remember It for you Wholesale (1994) 493 -
1988
Sharyn McCrumb
bibliography
How about SF? Who do you read?
Bimbos of Death Sun ii. 17 -
1991 Locus Nov. 5/3
We’re using more and more speculative non-fiction from sf writers.
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1993 Science Fiction Age Jan. 8/2
Yet you’re planning to feature fantasy also. Mistake—S.F. fans don’t really want fantasy, or else they'd request it.
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1994 SFRA Review July 9
It includes only SF and fantasy fiction by professional writers.
Research requirements
antedating 1929
Earliest cite
in Science Wonder Stories
Last modified 2022-04-07 20:28:10
In the compilation of some
entries, HDSF has drawn extensively on corresponding entries
in OED.