Manual of Style/Words to watch. There are no forbidden words or expressions on Wikipedia, but certain expressions should be used with care, because they may introduce bias. Strive to eliminate expressions that are flattering, disparaging, vague, or clichéd, or that endorse a particular point of view. The advice in this guideline is not limited to the examples provided and should not be applied rigidly.[1] What matters is that articles should be well-written and consistent with the core content policies—Neutral point of view, No original research, and Verifiability. The guideline does not apply to quotations, which should be faithfully reproduced from the original sources; see the section on quotations in the main Manual of Style. Words that may introduce bias Puffery Words such as these are often used without attribution to promote the subject of an article, while neither imparting nor plainly summarizing verifiable information.
They are known as "peacock terms" by Wikipedia contributors. Peacock example: Just the facts: Wikipediholic. A Wikipediholic, wikiholic, Wikipediaholic, Wikipath, or wikiaddict is someone who suffers from Wikipediholism, or obsession (addiction in some cases) with Wikipedia or other wikis. It is often considered an obscure form of obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). One of the most common characteristics of the condition is the victim having a web browser window constantly open to the Recent Changes section of Wikipedia and/or other wikis (or in the condition's slightly milder form, one's Watchlist), and pressing the "Reload" or "Refresh" button with a high frequency (sometimes leading to carpal tunnel syndrome).
Others have a bottle of Wikipedihol tablets by their desktop. Others click the "random page" button instead. Still others endlessly track and monitor the edits of users with whom they have become obsessed. Probably incurable Official Wikipediholism Test: If you think you are a Wikipediholic, please take this test for proper diagnosis. An alternative addiction is "wikistalking". Motto. WikiFauna. Seven Ages of Wikipedians. "All the wiki's a stage, And all the wikipedians merely players;" — As You Like It William Shakespeare, as part of his keen observations into the nature of Wikipedianism, identified the Seven Ages of Wikipedians, a general guide to the behaviour and editing of Wikipedians at different stages during their editing careers. It is important to note that these ages refer to the length of membership, not to the Wikipedian's actual age, and should only be used as a rough guide. WikiInfant[edit] WikiInfants are largely helpless WikiInfants are new to Wikipedia, treating it as they would any other encyclopedia.
Those WikiInfants who explore unusual parts on Wikipedia are often baffled by what they find, and require extensive help to make sense of it all. Although WikiInfants rarely, if ever, edit, they may still read articles extensively or use Wikipedia as a reference. WikiChild[edit] A WikiChild benefiting from the assistance of another, more experienced user WikiTeen[edit] WikiYoungAdult[edit] WikiKomodo. WikiKomodo or WikiKomodo dragon (Varanus wikiwiki) is a reptilian inhabitant of Wikipedia and the only known extant anapsid reptile to display sentience. WikiKomodos are typically reclusive. Their domain is restricted to Wikipedia, but they avoid all contact with other editors. Like its distant cousin the WikiDragon, the WikiKomodo's habit is to create new articles of considerable size—enough to sustain the wiki—but the WikiKomodo differs in that it is too possessive and over-protective of the articles that it creates, so much so that other editors find contributing to said articles next to impossible.
WikiMule. A contemplating WikiMule. A WikiMule[1] is a user who edits in good faith, but will never admit that they've made a mistake or that they're wrong. Many WikiMules are newcomers who don't have a full grasp on Wikipedia's policies yet. No matter how many users tell them they're wrong, and no matter how much evidence is presented, they will never admit they're wrong.
WikiMules are prone to engaging in edit wars, and kicking with their hooves those who tell them they are wrong. Sometimes they can go as far as making personal attacks and accusing those who disagree of personal attacks, trolling, wikistalking, or even vandalism. Some WikiMules become divas. Note that a WikiMule, or any user, isn't wrong just because several editors tell them they're wrong. See also[edit] Notes[edit] WikiGremlin.
A WikiGremlin hard at work. This is the apostrophe demon. He lurks Wikipedia correcting misuse of apostrophes. A WikiGremlin (a portmanteau of Wikipedia and gremlin) is a microscopic creature that runs the Wikipedia website. Light blue in color, with grey eyes and an orange or fuchsia mohawk, most are good, and generate entries like random page, recent changes and new pages, but a few have unfortunately risked snacks and half a bottle of Grand Marnier after midnight, and now go about titling documents InAVeryOddWay, breaking links and generally causing havoc. They are cousins to the infamous pencil gremlins, which are peculiar to cylindrical habitats normally resigned to stationery. WikiKraken. The WikiKraken (or WikiCracker, in reference to black-hat hacking) is rumored to be a dangerous species of user, who specialize in fraud and may often disguise their vandalism as correct material.
The existence cannot be confirmed, because for some reason, WikiKrakens seem to be effective at avoiding being encountered by Wiki-zoologists. History[edit] The WikiKraken is suspected to have descended from kraken, a large Scandinavian mollusc. However, a case of convergent evolution has brought them to highly resemble the troll. WikiKrakens have been hunted ever since they were first conceived, and are supposed to be one of the most deadly WikiFauna. Habits[edit] The kraken is a colossal species of mollusc believed by cryptozoologists to be an exaggeration of either the giant squid, colossal squid, or giant octopus. Hunting WikiKrakens[edit] WikiKrakens are difficult to find (no scientist has found one, after all!) Biology[edit] Good WikiKrakens[edit] Self-identification[edit] WikiMercenary. Carving of an ancient WikiMercenary. The container on her head symbolizes the great stores of knowledge she holds.
A WikiMercenary is a wandering Wikipedian in search of work. Not to be confused with WikiKnights who know their purpose, WikiDragons who design their own purpose, or WikiOtters who find purpose in projects needing assistance, WikiMercenaries aimlessly roam Wikipedia, offering their assistance to anyone who needs help. Behavior[edit] WikiMercenaries tend to frequent pubs and taverns, listening to the conversations of others.
If they overhear someone in need of help, the WikiMercenary will extend the hand of friendship and offer their services. WikiMercenaries ultimately wish to improve upon Wikipedia like so many other WikiFauna, but they lack particular expertise in any one area to commit to it. Although they frequent social places, WikiMercenaries themselves are quiet loners. Identification[edit] One may identify oneself by using the userbox below: WikiPrincess. A WikiPrincess relaxing in her home after enjoying a discussion regarding the reform of one of Wikipedia's important policies. As royalty, a WikiPrincess does not need to contribute to Wikipedia's articles at all to maintain her respected status, especially if she helps out with important parts of the Wiki, such as reviewing project proposals, voting, or simply participating in project discussions.
WikiPrincesses often have an assortment of friends at Wikipedia, and their talk pages often flood the watchlists of any WikiJaguars stalking them. In addition to the well-used talk page, their user pages are often decorated with barnstars and other awards, as well as a pretty template. Many WikiPrincesses are so thoughtful as to pass barnstars and awards on to other Wikipedians they deem deserving.
Whether this is truly an act of kindness or simply a political move to help themselves gain administrative powers is unclear. Way is to use this userbox: {{User wikipedia/WikiPrincess}} WikiWitch. A WikiWitch preparing to open a portal A WikiWitch is a capricious creature whose devotion to arcane knowledge overshadows their every act. Every thing they do is for the growth of the arcane. Characteristics[edit] In their devotion to the arcane, they may seem similar to other WikiFauna.
And, indeed, as a WikiWitch can spend days doing nothing more than mixing potions, organising their spell book and similar chores, they can be confused for WikiFairies. A WikiWitch will even devote days to such powerful magic as opening a portal or creating a new spell. What sets a WikiWitch apart, though, is their willingness to defend their work. Nonetheless, WikiWitches are basically polite beings, valuing the quiet of solitude.
How to identify a WikiWitch[edit] Unless they show themselves, you cannot spot a WikiWitch. Some few, though, choose to identify themselves, with the Userbox {{User wikipedia/WikiWitch}}. WikiGryphon. A WikiGryphon carefully surveying the WikiLandscape for potential signs of trouble. The WikiGryphon, or WikiGriff, is a mythical WikiBeast with the head, talons, and wings of an eagle and the body of a lion. Known as the "guardian of treasures; protector from evil, witchcraft and secret slander", WikiGryphons are beasts with a dual mission: their protective instincts guide them to soar first in one direction to collect and safeguard their treasures, then in another, to take other WikiFauna under their wing. As with WikiDragons, WikiGryphons can be powerful when collecting treasures and placing them appropriately, and tenacious when annoying vermin encroach upon their aeries.
In contrast to the dragon, however, WikiGryphons are very noble and courteous and are surprisingly patient with newcomers, welcoming them if they've made a good edit and chiding them gently for making bad ones. Behavior[edit] The editing habits of WikiGryphons varies between individuals. Species Mimicry[edit] WikiWolfcub. Wolfie-cub is cute – but still a wild animal! A WikiWolfcub always acts in good-faith, but can be chatty, playful and interactive with other pack members, and can thus be mistaken for a WikiPuppy at first glance. But they are bold and determined, and once they get their teeth into something they can be reluctant to let go. When confronted directly, they may either hide in the den, or call upon the pack for support. They can never be entirely tamed, but make interesting (though somewhat unpredictable) playmates.
The WikiWolfcub's determination, boldness, and willingness to work as part of a pack can mean that, as they mature, they are more than happy the chew away on bones of contention until they have entirely ceased to exist; the WikiWolfcub is always happy to share bones of contention with anyone prepared to assist with the chewing in a friendly and co-operative manner. Adopt A Wolfcub! Identification[edit] Did You Adopt a Wolfcub? WikiReaper. A WikiReaper (not to be confused with a WikiVampire) is a user who is almost never supportive of others, and tries to drive other souls away from Wikipedia using its scythe, which they call opposition.
Identifying a WikiReaper[edit] The most common place where WikiReapers are seen is WP:RFA, but can also be in other areas, such as WP:FAC. Some WikiReapers go unnoticed for long periods of time; they are the most powerful and most persuasive WikiReapers. Many are noticed in a relatively short period of time. Reasons for WikiReapers[edit] Why WikiReapers always oppose remains unclear, and the reason may be different for every WikiReaper. WikiReaper Template[edit] Though it goes against the nature of WikiReapers, if you are a WikiReaper and would like to identify yourself, use this userbox: {{WikiReaper}} WikiPolice. The WikiPolice are the unofficial police force of Wikipedia. They have no official powers, nor are they above WikiLaw. The Police are often editors versed in Wikipedia's many policies and guidelines, and do their best to revert, apprehend and arrest the perpetrators.
They then hand the case over to the administrators for sentencing, many a 'Pedian has been found guilty, owing to the fact the police have a large amount of evidence at their disposal. Have you been breaking the Wikilaw? The Police's ranks[edit] A Constable of the Wikipedia Police is an editor who patrols Wikipedia searching for acts of vandalism or any other violation of the Wikipedia Laws. There is also a higher body of WikiPolice - these are the Sergeants. The Inspectors are pretty much the same as Sergeants, except they are bureaucrats instead of administrators. Corrupt Police[edit] Remember, members of the WikiPolice, regardless of rank, carry no special authority. Userboxes[edit] WikiHobbit. A WikiHobbit considering where he should wander next to edit. WikiHobbits have often been reading and editing Wikipedia for years, quite content to ignore and be ignored by the world of WikiDrama – Wikipedia being, after all, full of strange POV pushers and vandals beyond count.
WikiHobbits must seem of little importance, being neither renowned as great warriors nor counted among the overachievers. In fact, it has been remarked that WikiHobbits' only real WikiPassion is for reading Wikipedia – a rather unfair observation, as many have made substantial contributions to uncontroversial topics and some are quite prolific in their highly specialised areas, where they are safe from trolls and dragons. But where their hearts truly lie is in peace and quiet and a stable, high-quality article, for all WikiHobbits share a love for Wikipedia's mission. WikiHobbit, then, is a positive descriptor for editors who express qualities of hobbits as described in the classic work The Hobbit by J. WikiOgre. WikiFallen. WikiGiant. WikiDodo. WikiChef. WikiBarbarian. WikiKnight. WikiDragon. WikiElf. WikiFairy. WikiGnome.