55 replies to this topic

[Universal Ruler Supreme]

I don't know how much research anyone else is doing. But I've been trying to find something.

But right now I'm at a lost for words for words.

I thought, well western is a bit vague, and like the term Amerikeshi is not all inclusive of the regions that share the same toy lines. For example Muscle was sold in the US, Canada, and Australia.(were there more?) So although 'western' covers the US and Canada, it does not include Australia. The same could be said for others.

So then I thought, well maybe there is a word that is defined as

???: A group of countries whose base language is of English roots.

Or something to that affect.... but all I found out is that there is no such defining word. Really?!! I can't believe that.

So then I thought well, maybe there is another term used in place of the word English(language). But there are no immediate terms alternatively associated with English. WHAT!!!

All I could find that was remotely close was the term 'Anglic'. But this is just a term used to define: English in a simplified spelling; devised by a philologist knows as R. E. Zachrisson.

So then I found the word 'Anglian'. But that is a specific dialect of old English.

Am I working on a dead end? Were the majority of our general collector based hobbies (muscle,mimp,boglins,etc.) only sold in, mostly, English speaking nations? (not necessarily excluding multi-lingual nations who share the English language)

If this isn't the case. Then I would like to suggest a side project. Is there any way we could create and have an officially defined new word for the previous dead end definitions I mentioned? Perhaps we need to make a word to in turn make a word.

[Soupie]

I thought, well western is a bit vague, and like the term Amerikeshi is not all inclusive of the regions that share the same toy lines. For example Muscle was sold in the US, Canada, and Australia.(were there more?) So although 'western' covers the US and Canada, it does not include Australia. The same could be said for others.

Hm, I've always considered the term "Western" to refer to Australia as well. Personally, my understanding of the terms Western and Eastern is thus: Eastern refers to all Asian countries (including, technically, India) and Western refers to everything else.

Also, there are many non-articulated, mono-colored, mini-figures that come out of non-English speaking regions including Greece and South America for example.

Also, one other note I want to make is that I'm not looking for a term to replace keshi. I will still use the term keshi to refer to non-articulated, mono-colored, mini-figures that originate in Eastern countries, i.e., Japan and China.

What I'm looking for is a term to describe non-articulated, mono-colored, mini-figures that originate outside of the East, i.e., outside of Japan.

Like Theorgg said, there is no reason not to refer to these figures as keshi. The only reason not to is that people don't (haha) and that many Westerners find the term unpalatable.

So to reiterate, I will continue to use the term keshi to refer to Kinnikuman, Ge Ge Ge No Kitaro, Dr. Slump, etc. However, I'm looking for a term to describe Bad Eggz Bunch, M.U.S.C.L.E., and Cheap Toys. (Currently, I am liking the following terms: Western Keshi, Monos, and Nishi.)

But I love all the ideas that have been offered so far!

[Universal Ruler Supreme]

Hm, I've always considered the term "Western" to refer to Australia as well. Personally, my understanding of the terms Western and Eastern is thus: Eastern refers to all Asian countries (including, technically, India) and Western refers to everything else.

I guess you would be right. I was relating the term to hemispherical locations. But overlooked the definition as follows.

Western: ( often initial capital letter ) of, pertaining to, living in, or characteristic of the West, especially the western U.S

This definition seems to fit the criteria. And in a way fills the hole in the first definition I was inquiring about in my previous post.

Also, there are many non-articulated, mono-colored, mini-figures that come out of non-English speaking regions including Greece and South America for example.

This we are aware of. But I think I'm missing your point. Are you intending to group these into the Western category? I would think these would be more of a Central category.

Also, one other note I want to make is that I'm not looking for a term to replace keshi. I will still use the term keshi to refer to non-articulated, mono-colored, mini-figures that originate in Eastern countries, i.e., Japan and China.

I never thought you were. I was only assuming you were trying to find an acceptable term for the Western category.

What I'm looking for is a term to describe non-articulated, mono-colored, mini-figures that originate outside of the East, i.e., outside of Japan.

Again, my previous question arises. Wouldn't it be confusing to group the Central category with the Western?

Like Theorgg said, there is no reason not to refer to these figures as keshi. The only reason not to is that people don't (haha) and that many Westerners find the term unpalatable.

Palatability is only one reason for me. Keshi is a hard word to say in conversation with those unfamiliar with the hobby, and Western Keshi is a mouthful.
Another is it's not an associable term considering it's definition. Keshi Gomu, as far as I'm aware basically means rubber eraser. And was firmly associated with the eraser like materials that original Keshi were composed of. Although the plastic composition has changed considerably for Japanese Keshi, the plastic is mostly still different to the majority of Western lines, which is in essence considered plastic. It's extremely overcomplicated sometimes.

So to reiterate, I will continue to use the term keshi to refer to Kinnikuman, Ge Ge Ge No Kitaro, Dr. Slump, etc. However, I'm looking for a term to describe Bad Eggz Bunch, M.U.S.C.L.E., and Cheap Toys. (Currently, I am liking the following terms: Western Keshi, Monos, and Nishi.)

But I love all the ideas that have been offered so far!

It's your business and decision to publish your own associated term for the category. However, and don't' get me wrong, it just seems pretty moot to ask for other suggestions when it seems you aren't really looking for any. I assume your true intention was to find someone who agreed with and was acceptable of your desired terminology. Which is fine. If I'm at all wrong call me out on it.
I just return to one of my previous statements to just go for it. I'm more than certain at the least it would catch on within the online community.

But don't get me wrong, it's not like I am completely opposed to your suggestion. I just thought the community would be able to deliver something more original.

Edited by Universal Ruler Supreme, 11 February 2011 - 08:50 AM.

[Soupie]

Are you intending to group these into the Western category? I would think these would be more of a Central category.

As I am essentially trying to delineate between Japanese keshi and non-Japanese keshi, I think Western and Eastern are sufficient. In other words, I'm not concerned whether non-Japanese keshi come from Canada or Greece, just that the don't come from Japan.

Keshi Gomu, as far as I'm aware basically means rubber eraser.

I'm only concerned with the three criteria mentioned previously: Non-Articulated, Mono-Colored, and Miniature Scale. While I have a hierarchy of preferred materials, it's not a criterion I personally use to determine whether a minifig is a keshi or not.

It's your business and decision to publish your own associated term for the category. However, and don't' get me wrong, it just seems pretty moot to ask for other suggestions when it seems you aren't really looking for any.

But I am. Theorgg has convinced me that Western Keshi is an wholly acceptable term, hearing the term "Monos" prompted me to start the thread, and I like the term "Nishi" that nanoFatato shared.

[Soupie]

Furthermore, I started this thread thinking that keshi was not a term that should/would be used in the West, and again, Theorgg convinced me otherwise. So I have been open to ideas I think.

Also, I imagine that many people who have dipped into this thread probably think we're a bunch of argumentative nerds. However, I don't think that's true at all and wanted to share a silly, little analogy.

Imagine that there are three rich individuals who collect vehicles. Person A collects all vehicles, Person B collects all cars, and Person C collects motocycles, but more specifically, he only collects off-road motorcycles made in South America made by a company called HAPO. He refers to these bikes endearingly as HAPOs.

I think you can see the analogy to toy collecting. Some people collect toys, some people collect toy figures, and some people collect very specific toy figures, such as minifigures and action figures, but even specific types of minifigures and action figures!

So, don't just write us off as nerdy ninnies.

Also, another thought I had was that if I truly want a term that refers only to non-Japanese keshi, than perhaps monos or monochromatic minifigures, etc. won't suffice as they refer to ALL such figures, including those made in Japan.

At this point, as far as Toypedia, I think I'll be using the terms Keshi and Western Keshi to make the distinction. However, personally, I really like the terms keshi and nishi. This is just my opinion as "soupie." I'm not trying to influence anyone else or say one term is better than the other. I've learned via many experiences that my preferences are usually not shared by others.

Edited by Soupie, 11 February 2011 - 11:09 AM.

[Universal Ruler Supreme]

Well, I do have to be honest. Although I'm not very fond of the terminology. Where I placed the word 'Category' in my previous post, I did unintentionally first place the word 'Keshi' a few times. ...Then changed it before posting for arguments sake.

So if anything, it has somehow finagled it's way into my automatic memory banks. As Keshi is a common term used in our community, it was hard not to use it in my arguments when referring to Western.. FIGURINES!!!! BWAHAHAHAHAHAHA!!!!!!!!!