Seems there has been some debate lately about the terminology used in pinball. What do you call the pinball machine? A pin? A machine? A table? What is the “official” term. Are there other options? What other terms have caused debate in the pinball and arcade hobby?
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All of them are understandable, so probably all are valid. Pinball machine is the official term, but all the others are essentially abbreviations or remixes. 
I've also heard the term "flapper game" a few times, but that usually comes from someone who really isn't very familiar with pinball.
In some parts of Europe (such as Germany), they're called flipper games/machines. It's interesting that they decided to name the game after the flippers, rather than the ball like in the US.
In general I think the term pinball machine is most appropriate, but when speaking of a specific machine to a pinhead the term " machine " is fine .
Wish we could pick more than one option, as I use most of these terms. "Pin" is probably my most used, but I use table quite a bit as well.
Quoted from Coz:Seems there has been some debate lately about the terminology used in pinball. What do you call the pinball machine? A pin? A machine? A table? What is the “official” term. Are there other options? What other terms have caused debate in the pinball and arcade hobby?
[quoted image]
Flipper
I’m curious what debate you are referring to, but the manufacturers call them pinball machines 
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Quoted from Strohz:the manufacturers call them pinball machines
What did the European manufacturers call them ? They are usually referred to tables there.
LTG : )
Quoted from Brewchap:Flipper is a dolphin
True. Isn’t a flapper a 1920’s lady who bucked the norm of acceptable behavior?
Quoted from Electrocute:The better question is, Why is it called Pinball?
Because early machines had metal pins (like nails) on the play field.
Almost like a pachinko machine.
Table is what is referred to in the Virtual Pinball world, not to be confused with a real pinball machine. Simple as that.
Got to keep the abbreviation of pin if talking about a real pinball machine, if one is too lazy to type out pinball machine.
I grew up playing pinball on pinball machines. they are not tables. jeebus that term drives me crazy. also, please stop using the term "shooter" guns shoot, pinball machines do not shoot. they are not great shooters... great shooters shoot in gun competitions... lol
and yes this is simply my own opinion, and I really don't care what other people call them. its all in good fun.
I simple use "pin" as a quick abbreviation for pinball machine.
Ex) Check out this new pinball machine or Check out this new pin. Everyone knows what you are talking about.
Quoted from PinballManiac40:Table is what is referred to in the Virtual Pinball world, not to be confused with a real pinball machine. Simple as that.
Got to keep the abbreviation of pin if talking about a real pinball machine, if one is too lazy to type out pinball machine.
I use them as tables all the time, fold laundry on them (4 pins in laundry room... see what I did there 
, stack parts on one machine while working on another, but never ever put my beer on them. Mostly I call them FUN!
All the time I was growing up, my father called them "Pinballs" -- not the balls themselves, but the machines. Jeez, drove me crazy with that. 
Quoted from fxdwg:I grew up playing pinball on pinball machines. they are not tables. jeebus that term drives me crazy. also, please stop using the term "shooter" guns shoot, pinball machines do not shoot. they are not great shooters... great shooters shoot in gun competitions... lol
and yes this is simply my own opinion, and I really don't care what other people call them. its all in good fun.
Harry Williams referred to them as tables in a taped interview.
I prefer pinball machines or just pins.
Quoted from EalaDubhSidhe:Whichever you want it to be, we all know what they mean.
That’s definitely true, but I just wanted to see what the favorite term is. I have heard different players use different terms lately
As a total newb to the hobby a few years ago, when I called a local pinball distributor asking about “pinball tables” for sale the guy made like he had no idea what I was talking about. Jerk.
Like it or not, pretty much everyone in the world associates pinball with The Who’s Pinball Wizard.
“Even at my favorite table, he can beat my best”
It was a total shock to me that those in the industry apparently despise that term
Seems pinball machine or pin are the overwhelming favorite terms used here on pinside. Interesting to see everyone’s opinions and comments.
Quoted from Mike_J:As long as you don’t call it a deck or a table....
But Flapper Game is OK?
Quoted from luckymoey:But Flapper Game is OK?
No, somebody’s losing a tooth with that one.
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