So who decided to start calling shooters "shmups"?

[Redifer]

The word "shmup" sounds silly and kind of insulting to the genre. Nowadays "shooter" refers to FPS games. But I will always call shooters "shooters"!

[GSZX1337]

I don't know who coined the term, but I do hate it as well. I especially hate it when someone says: "shmups" in actual conversation.

[CFFJR]

I tend to actually say "shoot em up", but only if I don't simply say shooter. It kinda depends on the context of the conversation, such as if I'm explaining to someone what kind of game it actually is.

Shmup is an odd term, but its sticking around whether we like it or not.

[o.pwuaioc]

I tend to avoid "shooter" unless it's followed by what kind of shooter, so first person, space, etc.

[Zing]

I would never use either "shmup" or "shoot em up". They are, and always will be, "shooters".

I wasn't aware some people shorten FPS ("First Person Shooter") to "shooter".

[elmagicochrisg]

I don't know who coined the term, but I do hate it as well. I especially hate it when someone says: "shmups" in actual conversation.

Reminds me of my neighbour. He actually says LOL when something is funny, instead of laughing...

[o.pwuaioc]

I don't know who coined the term, but I do hate it as well. I especially hate it when someone says: "shmups" in actual conversation.

Reminds me of my neighbour. He actually says LOL when something is funny, instead of laughing...

How are the two at all comparable?

[EllertMichael]

Yeah... somewhere along the way I found myself kind of adopting the term. But even still I try not to use it in conversation. opting for "Vertical Shooter" or "Horizontal Shooter" instead. (so imagine my dismay when a video of me drunkenly slurring the word "shmup" looped over and over pops up on youtube)
I'm not sure of the exact origin myself... I'd be interested to know.

[mjmjr25]

If you tell me you are interested in trading for shooters...I have no idea what you are interested in.

Do you like Contra? Quake? Subterrania? Trizeal? Halo? Sin and Punishment? Gunstar Heroes? Rainbow Cotton? Goldeneye? Baldre Force EXE?

SHMUP is simply a sub-category of a pretty vast genre. As are Run n' Gun, Hori's, Verts, Rail Shooters, FPS, Arena Shooters, etc. Its just one more way to clarify what it is. Pretty straightforward stuff.

[elmagicochrisg]

I don't know who coined the term, but I do hate it as well. I especially hate it when someone says: "shmups" in actual conversation.

Reminds me of my neighbour. He actually says LOL when something is funny, instead of laughing...

How are the two at all comparable?

Using written language in real life...