The Associated Worlds

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What A Difference A Syllable Makes

Alistair Young

Sep 16, 2026

clankie: Semi-affectionate slang term for a cybershell, or other robot body. Contrast the more neutral hardhat; compare squishie.

An important note, however, is that the semi-affectionate slang term is clankie. Changing the last syllable to clanker converts it to a highly offensive substrate slur, similar in spirit to the way that the term "protein intelligence" gave rise not only to the neutral slang meathat, but also to the equivalent substrate slur meatbag.

Those whose native phonemics are prone to conceal or blur this distinction are advised to speak with care and attention to their diction; being shivved to death by a swarm of angry machines is entirely possible, and in most cases will not improve your day.

A Star Traveler's Dictionary

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...building civilizations with my space elves in space.