SCI FI channel semi-explicably changes name to Syfy

Syfy isn't the new slang term the kids are using for Syphilis. (*rim shot* We'll be here all weekend. Tip your waitress and drive home safe.) Rather, it's the name that the SCI FI Channel will adopt come June 7. And don't let the president of SCI FI hear you pronouncing it "Siffy," either; the new name is phonetically identical to SCI FI.

SCI FI isn't just trying to French up their name for no apparent reason. A name change does make a bit of marketing sense in the era of video websites like Hulu and Internet search engines where the network can't be differentiated from the shorter term for the genre of science fiction. Also, SCI FI is trying to broaden its audience by getting away from a term that, for better or worse, harbors some geeky connections. Still, running all-day marathons of horror movies themed around increasingly more obscure animals will be a deterrent to crossover converts from the Oxygen channel crowd, even with the new tag line, "Imagine Greater," that Syfy boasts.

As one message-board posting remarked, in Polish, Syfy means "filth" or "scum." Perhaps this connection will help drive traffic to the Syfy website in the same way that our Zack and Miri Make a Porno review remains on our "most read" list a full four months after its release. Only time will tell, and we wish you way more than luck, Syfy.