Flier? Flyer?
Those annoying papers that get stuck under your windshield wiper. The free-spirited pilot who likes to go sky sailing on weekends. The wildly painted bus that rumbles down the road. They all are called fliers. Or flyers. Or Flyers.
Well, which is it?
Trusty AP Stylebook guidelines to the rescue! (Please keep in mind that what’s below does not jibe with Merriam-Webster’s definitions; why, I do not know, but I follow AP, so there you go.)
Flier = one who flies (as in an aviator) or a handbill (such as what you find on your windshield when you leave the grocery store)
Flyer = a proper name for certain trains or buses (e.g., American Flyer trains, Washington Flyer bus).
That’s it. Simple. And simple is good.
Happy trails!
SAK
Tags: AP Stylebook, editing, flier, flyer, grammar, Merriam-Webster, writing
how could you forget the radio flyer? (little red wagon)