What is the difference between the words “flyer” and “flier”? That’s a good question. The simple answer is that there is no difference in meaning between the two words. With one exception, both words mean the same thing and are simply alternative spellings for the same word. The spelling flyer is older than its variant flier. The word flyer has its origin in late Middle English, dating back to the 15th century. The word flier is a more recent alternative spelling of flyer. In this article, we are going to take a look at the definitions and examples of the two words.
Flyer or Flier: the Key Differences
Key Takeaways
Both “flyer” and “flier” are correct and can be used interchangeably in most contexts, but there are some regional preferences and slight differences in usage:
- Flyer: This is the more commonly used spelling in American English, especially for printed advertisements or handouts. It’s also widely accepted in British English. “Flyer” is often preferred when referring to promotional materials or someone who flies frequently (like an airline passenger).
- Flier: This spelling is less common but is still correct. It’s more frequently used in American English and is sometimes preferred in aviation contexts, such as in the expression “take a flier” (meaning to take a risk).
In general, “flyer” is more popular and widely accepted for most purposes.
Flyer or Flier | The Definition
Both the words flyer and flier are nouns in their two meanings.
1. A person, an animal, or a thing that flies.
- “My paper airplane is a good flyer.”
- “An eagle is a better flyer than a turkey.”
- “My grandfather was a flier in World War II.”
With this definition, a flier or flyer can refer to either the pilot or the passenger. Another use of this definition is the phrase “frequent flyer”. As in, “With my business, I get a lot of frequent flyer miles.” In this case, the flyer spelling is the preferred version. Also, the spelling flier generally is used to refer to a pilot. Though again, the two spellings are interchangeable.
2. A pamphlet, handbill, or circular is used as an advertisement or to provide information.
- “Billy’s job was to stand on the corner and hand out flyers for the church bake sale.”
- “The flyer said that the art show would begin at 11 AM.”
A third definition is also a noun, but in this case, only the flyer spelling is used.
3. In textiles, a flyer is a device used to add twists to yarn. Similarly, a flyer is a rotating device used to both twist the yarn and uniformly wind it onto a spindle or bobbin.
Except for the third definition, either spelling is acceptable.
- “It was fun to watch the flyer twist and wind the yarn.”
Flyer vs. Flier | Other Uses
The spelling flier is used for two slang meanings.
It is used first in the case when someone takes a flying jump,
- “He took a flier off the cliff.”
The second informal definition is used to mean taking a risk in a venture
- “Maybe it wasn’t such a good idea to take a flier with those stocks.”
A flyer is also used in slang. It can be used in an expression for a successful person.
- “People call her a high flyer because she built her Fortune 500 business before turning 30.”
When To Use Flyer or Flier
There is no consensus on which spelling is most correct. Though current dictionaries say that flyer and flier are both correct alternative spellings, publication sources disagree on which is most proper. Since publishing companies disagree on which to use, you would have to check on the preferred style when writing for them.
Other differences are cultural. When writing for either a British or American audience, use the spelling that is preferred by that culture. It is important also to keep in mind that since different writing style guides differ, you should use the correct spelling for the style you are using.
Neither The Elements of Style nor the Chicago Manual of Style states a preference. The word flyer is preferred by the Guardian, Fowler’s Modern English Usage, and the website for the Oxford dictionaries. The word flier is favored by the Daily Telegraph, the Associated Press, and the American Heritage College Dictionary.
It is interesting that in Garner’s Modern English it says that flier is standard in the United States and flyer as common to British form. This distinction, however, doesn’t bear out in common usage in either the U.S. or elsewhere where English is written.
Tips for Using Flyer or Flier
- Use flyer when referring to printed marketing materials or discussing aviation-based loyalty programs.
- Opt for flier for a more colloquial tone or when expressing the idea of taking a risk.
Flyer or Flier Examples
“Flyer”
- The marketing team designed a colorful flyer to advertise the new restaurant.
- I received a flyer for a local concert when I was walking downtown.
- Please take one of these flyers to learn more about our community services.
- The company distributes flyers to announce special deals and discounts.
- She posted the event flyer on the bulletin board at the coffee shop.
“Flier”
- As an experienced flier, he always packs efficiently for his trips.
- The frequent flier program offers benefits like free upgrades and lounge access.
- She is a nervous flier and prefers to take the train when possible.
- During the air show, the stunt flier amazed the crowd with daring maneuvers.
- He became a flier with the airline after years of training as a pilot.