When it comes to the words “flier” and “flyer,” you might find yourself wondering if there’s any real difference between them. The short answer is that both words mean the same thing, but they have different spellings and variations in usage depending on context and region.
In this article, we’ll break down the differences, explain their origins, and provide examples to help you understand how to use them effectively.
Flier vs. Flyer: What’s the Difference?
Both flier and flyer are nouns that refer to someone or something that flies or to a printed leaflet or handbill. However, they have slightly different histories and preferences based on location and style guides.
- Flier: The older spelling of the word, dating back to the 14th century.
- Flyer: A more modern spelling that became popular in the 19th century.
Interestingly, both words remain correct, but usage trends often depend on context or regional preferences. Let’s explore their individual meanings and examples to clarify.
Flier: The Traditional Spelling
The spelling flier has historical roots as the earlier form of the word. It remains favored in some specific contexts, particularly in American English and in industries like aviation and gambling. The Associated Press (AP) Stylebook, a major style guide for journalists, prefers this spelling.
Meaning of Flier
- A person, animal, or object that flies (e.g., an aviator or bird).
- A fast-moving or highly successful person or thing.
- A gamble or risky decision.
- A printed leaflet or handbill.
Examples of Flier in a Sentence:
- The Wright brothers were among the first fliers in aviation history.
- She’s a high flier in her company, becoming a senior executive at just 30 years old.
- He took a flier on a new business venture, even though it was a big risk.
- I grabbed a promotional flier at the coffee shop about the upcoming concert.
Flyer: The More Popular Spelling
Flyer is the more widely used form today, especially in British English and general, non-specialized writing. Most modern dictionaries and style guides, such as the Chicago Manual of Style, recommend this spelling.
Meaning of Flyer
- A person, animal, or object that flies (e.g., an aviator or bird).
- A fast-moving or highly successful person or thing.
- A printed leaflet or pamphlet.
Examples of Flyer in a Sentence:
- Amelia Earhart was one of the most famous flyers in aviation history.
- The new smartphone turned out to be a real flyer, selling out within hours.
- I saw a flyer for a garage sale posted on the community bulletin board.
Highflier vs. Highflyer: Which Is Correct?
Both highflier and highflyer describe someone or something that is extremely successful, ambitious, or rising quickly in prominence. These terms can also be spelled as two separate words: high flier or high flyer.
While both forms are grammatically correct, highflyer is the more commonly used spelling today in most contexts.
Examples of Highflier/Highflyer in a Sentence:
- She’s regarded as a highflyer in the academic world, winning multiple prestigious awards.
- The company has been a highflier on the stock market this year, with its shares rising by over 60%.
- He’s a high flyer when it comes to sports, breaking several records in track and field.
Take a Flier or Take a Flyer?
The expressions take a flier and take a flyer are idiomatic phrases that mean taking a chance or making a gamble on something uncertain. These phrases can symbolize risk-taking, such as investing in a risky stock or trying something bold.
While both spellings are valid, take a flyer is more commonly used in modern language.
Examples of Take a Flier/Take a Flyer:
- He decided to take a flyer on the start-up company, hoping it would lead to big rewards.
- She took a flier on a job overseas, leaving her comfort zone for a chance at something exciting.
- The investors took a flyer on the experimental product, and it surprisingly became a huge success.
Conclusion
Both flier and flyer mean the same thing, but their usage often depends on context, region, or specific style guides. Here’s a quick recap of the key points:
| Spelling | Context/Usage | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Flier | Traditional spelling (favored in American English by AP Style). Common in aviation and gambling contexts. | “He’s a high flier in his career.” |
| Flyer | Modern spelling (favored worldwide, especially in British English). General usage and advertising. | “I saw a flyer for a concert downtown.” |
| Highflier/Highflyer | Refers to someone ambitious or successful. Commonly spelled “highflyer”. | “The stock is a highflyer, soaring to all-time highs.” |
| Take a Flier/Flyer | Means taking a chance or gamble. “Take a flyer” is more commonly used. | “They took a flyer on the new technology.” |
When in doubt, remember that both forms are correct, so choose the spelling that aligns with your audience or preferred style guide. Use “flier” for more traditional or specialized writing, while “flyer” works well for general purposes!