Dictionary

SMOF en · NOUN

Pronunciation

• /smɒf/ (UK)
• smôf (US)
• /smɑf/ (US)
• /smɔf/ (US)

Etymology

Abbreviation of Secret Master Of Fandom. Coined by American science fiction author Jack Chalker.

Meanings

1. (slang) One influential in science fiction fandom; one who organises a convention, publishes a fanzine or performs a similar activity.
   • Secret Masters of Fandom (SMOFs), people who consider themselves to be the real ‘rulers’ of fandom, making decisions by running fan politics. Actually, these poor fellows are suffering from delusions of grandeur. (Also, verb form: to smof.) 1978, Arthur Wilson "Bob" Tucker, The Neo-Fan's Guide to Science Fiction Fandom, page 10:
   • He is also, in case he is willing... no, not in case he is willing; anyway, whether he likes it or not... an Honorary Member of SMOF. 1963, Hal Clement, Proceedings of Discon, page 162:
   • Cabal Sometimes assumed to be a secretive organization responsible for the development of Wikipedia [...] The term is comparable to the use of the term SMOF in science fiction fandom. 2014, Dariusz Jemielniak, “Appendix B: Glossary of Wikipedia Slang”, in Common Knowledge?, →ISBN, page 205:
   • Mary Manchester deserves special mention at this point. She appeared in few publications, yet she had such an influence on Star Trek fanzines that many considered her a SMOF, or Secret Master of Fandom. 2003, J. M. Verba, Boldly Writing, page 27:
   • I know a lot of briefcase-carrying SMOF types that live to run cons. 1993 November 6, Jim Rittenhouse, “Re: Will some REAL fans please move to Chicago?”, in alt.fandom.cons (Usenet), message-ID <2bh88t$1ip@genesis.MCS.COM>:

Forms

Deriveds

smof