Symbol or Cutiemark?

[Leave a Whisper]

Do you call the picture on the pony a symbol, cutiemark or something else? I've always called it a symbol

[Ponyfan]

Symbol for me.  I don't usually call it a cutie mark unless I'm referring to the Friendship is Magic show since that's what they call them in the show.

Ponyfan

[QueenStarglow]

Always has been and always will be a symbol.

[LadyMoondancer]

*whispers with crazed look in eyes*  Symbol foreeeever.

[ladybastilla]

I can't answer your poll, as it does not have an option for 'both'. I use whatever term is viewed as polite conversation on whichever board I am visiting. If I'm unsure I actually write cutie mark / symbol. For some reason these terms can really set some people off.

I also think that the second term came to pass because it would potentially break suspension of disbelief if the ponies themselves referred to it as a symbol. A symbol is not actually a thing; it's a classification of what a thing means, usually interpreted by an outside party who does not believe or fully understand the thing they are labeling. To call something a symbol is to denounce its actual power. Since within the show a cutie mark defines a pony's gifts that would be counter productive.

As for the history of the word symbol among mlp collectors -- or just kids who played with mlp prior to the cutie mark term's arrival, the meaning could be entirely different. Was "symbol" an official Hasbro term? Is that what the ponies referred to it as--or did it even really come up in the older cartoon? Since I don't know the history here I can't really justify one term being better or more correct.

So I'll just stick to being neutral and speaking in the correct dialect for whichever forum I'm visiting.

Whew! I'm pretty sure that's more then you bargained for but it's a topic I found interesting so I couldn't resist. (For the record, I decided to go with option three. That's the closest to what I'm saying here.)

[Rainbowrific Renia]

I use both.  I didn't get into ponies until FiM, so I had always referred to them as cutie marks (and I still do when talking with other people who call them that).  It wasn't until recently I noticed some people getting pretty bent out of shape over that term, so I use symbol to keep from being told that I'm wrong. 

[rosierjay]

my niecedcalled them belly bums when she was little
but i always thought they were name tags. which is why so many of my ponies got renames.
butterscotch? yeah, she was Butter-fly.
and i think bowtie was ribbons. etc.
so i didn't call them anything, just thought the symbol was their name.
now i call them cutie marks, cuz it's easier for most people to recognize.

[MJNSEIFER]

I have more of a sentimental/nostalgic attachment to cutie mark, so use that.  Plus, it sounds more "it's own thing", like it's actually an MLP thing, while symbol sounds like it could be for any show.

I do try to remember to say "symbol" for G1, but I personally prefer using "cutie mark" because it means something to me.  It's not even out of bias towards G3 and G4, I just like the term better.

[Wind~Whistler]

Buttcheek tattoos 





Just kidding, symbols or cutie marks, I don't care that much *prepares for pitchfork attack from G1 and G4 fans*

[Shimmer Mist]

I usually just call them "butt tattoos" outside of posts on the Arena. I also use them interchangeably and sometimes outside of their respective generations. I've called them "Cutie Marks" on G1's. *gasp* and Symbols for G4s.

[northstar3184]

I've always said symbols.

[Malicieuse]

It depends on what gen i'm talking about. Cutie Marks for Gen 3 and 4. Symbols for gen 1 and 2.
I always liked that someone pointed out that symbols are on both sides of the body while cutie marks are only on one side.

[Galactica]

I prefer the term symbol-  I TRY to force myself to use the other one when referring to G4- but egads- the term "cutie mark" just seems so...well, stupid.  I realize the franchise is for little kids- but still, I feel like an utter moron every time I force myself to type it...

[Baby Sugarberry]

Symbol, since "Cutie Mark" sounds like a line of toddler clothing or something... though I find it much more acceptable applied to G3-G4 since that's where the term originated, and G1-G2 never used it.

[Carrehz]

Symbol, always. I've never, ever liked the term "cutie mark".. it sounds really stupid, imo. (Heck - Animaniacs used the term way before G3 did and I thought it sounded stupid back then I just really hate that term hahaha)