Your suffix list and definitions

[Rolo]

So, recently I became aware of just how different some of the readings of the suffixes are, in particular the ones used in the books. I was always aware that people were choosy about which ones they thought were acceptable (or traditional), but I'd always met people with pretty much exactly the same definitions as mine previously.

So, I'm very interested in YOUR internal definitions for these suffixes. I'm aware that there are different styles, accepting different amounts of suffixes, so I'll give you a list of 'core' canon suffixes for you to define (the list is NOT comprehensive, but has all the most commonly used). You are absolutely welcome to add more under 'Additional suffixes' if you see fit, and to define your style in general (your general rules for suffixes and your normal naming style). It's also important for you to note if the suffix /cannot/ be used in certain circumstances, or if it is gender specific.

I ask that you do this task entirely independently of any resources, such as Ailuronymy, Ten's Guide or Ebony, as I want your thoughts, not theirs. Also, please refrain from 'Same as ____' (on the thread) as an answer. If you have the same definition as someone else here, please retype it in your own words or copy and paste theirs (with their permission).

You are welcome to do this, whatever your naming style. I'll still be interested :3


[u]Canon Suffix list[/u]

[b]-Pelt:[/b]
[b]-Fur:[/b]
[b]-Stripe:[/b]
[b]-Heart:[/b]
[b]-Storm:[/b]
[b]-Fang:[/b]
[b]-Claw:[/b]
[b]-Whisker:[/b]
[b]-Nose:[/b]
[b]-Foot:[/b]
[b]-Tail:[/b]
[b]-Face:[/b]
[b]-Throat:[/b]
[b]-eye:[/b]
[b]-ear:[/b]
[b]-Flower:[/b]
[b]-Cloud:[/b]
[b]-Wind:[/b]
[b]-Pool:[/b]

[u]Additional Suffixes[/u]


I shall work on compiling my own list, but it may take a while.

[mistytail]

My usual naming style focuses on a more traditional stle, but if I can fully flesh out a character's story (say, literally devoting an entire fanfiction revolving around that character), the. I might use or justify the use of a non-traditional name: but even then, the name should at least echo of a traditionally-styled name. They are exceptionally rare occurrences, however.

Canon Suffix list

-Pelt: an average warrior.
-Fur: an average, possibly sub-average "at least you finished your training" warrior. Not to mean a bad warrior, just one that is largely unimpressive. Their contribution to the Clan is still important.
-Stripe: a slightly-above average but still wholly plain warrior.
-Heart: sensitive and with a strong sense of justice. -heart warriors are the best diplomats, but can be considered annoying busybodies as a result of their need to protect others.
-Storm: reliable but prone to emotional outbursts. The outbursts are often a result of witholding their true feelings for the sake of their Clanmates too long. However, they are especially fierce in battle, and even if they are not the most skilled, they are a force to be reckoned with.
-Fang: an above-average warrior in battle. They are also known for their biting wit, and make up for the strength -claw warriors have with cleverness.
-Claw: an excellent warrior in combat. They are often large, though not always. -claw warriors are sometimes emotionally distant, understanding that battles may come with loss that is painful to deal wirh. However, a -claw warrior's loyalty should almost never be brought into question.
-Whisker: an excellent tracker. -whisker warriors are also sometimes seen as more spiritual or illogical than other cats, as they often sense truths or percieved truths other cats cannot see. They are competent but not excellent in battle.
-Nose: an excellent hunter. -nose warriors are also sometimes good at being feline lie detectors, able to sniff out truth in the midst of chaos. They are often only average in battle.
-Foot: good at border patrol and scent-marking, -foot warriors are sometimes seen as the iron fist of the Clan. They are always especially bound to the warrior code. They make good mentors and deputies, and go on to be good, fair leaders, though they would prefer to follow the parh of another.
-Tail: good at hunting and scouting, -tail warriors are creative and innovative. The balance and agility that makes them skilled hunters comes only second to their wild imagination; a -tail warrior will be willing to challenge ideas and openly express their own. They are good communicators and can often be the best warriors to have on border patrol, should their Clan run into the enemy Clan.
-Face: used for cats that are either exceptionally beautiful or exceptionally ugly. -face warriors understand that their appearance is a significant part in who they are, and may sometimes be good spies as a result - their outstanding appearance may put other cats off-guard. They are also good in combat as a result, though nowhere near as much as a -fang cat.
-Throat: Not used.
-eye: used only for name-changes.
-ear: used only for name-changes.
-Flower: an extremely maternal or paternal personality, -flower cats are exceptionally good mentors. They are unafraid to show affection for others, and truly see the Clan as a family unit. Their loyalty is unquestionable and they are very focused on defending others and keeping the Clan fed. Toms with this suffix are extremely rare, as it has mever occurred in canon, but I believe it is possible.
-Cloud: known for their patience and general fondness for their Clanmates. They are average in hunting and fighting.
-Wind: Not used.
-Pool: Not used.

Additional Suffixes
-tooth: an above-average hunter. Known for bluntness and sometimes brutish behavior.
-leaf: reserved for medicine cats only, and only for the most exceptional of medicine cats.
-stream: a very graceful cat and/or a strong swimmer. Obviously, should only be used if the Clan is near a running body of water.

I'm really lame and these are probanly really dumb, sorry :c

EDIT: Wow, can't believe I forgot -stream. Oops.

[drheiter]

I ask that you do this task entirely independently of any resources, such as Ailuronymy

Oh gosh. It's probably going to look like I'm copying straight from there because Ailuronymy introduced me to the style I currently use. Of course it isn't identical to Ailuronymy, but probably similar.

Anyway, this is a really cool idea and I'm looking forward to seeing everyone's lists c:

Canon Suffix list

-Pelt: An average, well-rounded warrior. "Jack of all trades, master of none" type.
-Fur: Used interchangeably with -pelt.
-Stripe: Again, similar to -fur and -pelt but for a striped cat.
-Heart: An outspoken and passionate cat who always does what they believe is right.
-Storm: Energetic and moody, this suffix would be given to a warrior who is intense in everything they do.
-Fang: Above average skill in hunting and fighting.
-Claw: Exceptional skill in fighting.
-Whisker: Exceptional skill in hunting.
-Nose: Skilled in tracking, curious and intelligent.
-Foot: Exceptional in speed. Can also be used in a name change when foot is damaged.
-Tail: Notable skill in agility, balance, flexibility, and gracefulness. Can also be used in a name change when the tail is damaged.
-Face: Very attractive. Can also be used in a name change when the face is damaged.
-Throat: N/A
-eye: Used in name changes when the eye is damaged.
-ear: Used in name changes when the ear is damaged.
-Flower: An excellent mother. This is not used to display femininity (this is brought up in the discussion on "the queen effect", by the way).
-Cloud: Relaxed and calm in any situation.
-Wind: N/A
-Pool: N/A

Additional Suffixes

-Leaf: Very skilled in medicine
(Edit: Forgot two suffixes, oops)
-Step: Correlates with the prefix; animal-based prefixes or size-based prefixes. Can also correlate with Light- if applicable.
-Stream: Exceptional swimming.

These descriptions are rather basic and minimal; there are other minor traits that go along with each of these suffixes, but I tried to keep it short and sweet c:

[Lady Ten]

Hey Rolo, this is cool -- I might come back to this thread later and post a list of my own -- but if anyone has disagreements over/wants to discuss different interpretations of a particular suffix, here's a reminder that that should be done on separate thread. I plan to make a thread called "the cloud suffix," for example, where we'd give that debate a space of its own. Each individual suffix (or prefix) can have a thread dedicated just to that one word if people have enough things to say about it. Keeps things neat and tidy while allowing everyone to have their say.

[vbfdoee]

Edited because I'm not afraid to be an iconoclast to ailuronymic traditionalism with my suffix interpretations

My general naming philosophy: describe the most salient aspect(s) of a cat's appearance in the prefix (and possibly the suffix), while the suffix should describe skills/personality, all using words that feral cats in the English countryside would reasonably be expected to know.

My view of -pelt, -fur and -stripe is that they all are pretty much the same, referring to a cat with average skills and personality, or else an unusual and striking appearance (see Bluefur, Leopardfur). However, -stripe should only be used for prominently striped cats.

-heart - Charismatic and idealistic
-storm - Intense, focused, prone to mood swings
-fang - Well-rounded, all-around competent
-claw - Good fighter, possibly a good strategist as well.
-whisker - Sensitive and quiet, probably a good hunter.
-nose - Perceptive, good sense of smell especially.
-foot - Quick and agile.
-tail - Particularly graceful and well-balanced. (I say particularly because all cats are graceful and well-balanced. It just comes with the territory.)
-face - Especially pretty/handsome. I don't really like using it, though.
-throat - I suppose it could refer to a cat with a distinctly coloured throat, but a cat's throat isn't a very salient/noticeable part of their appearance, so I don't really like it.
-eye - Only name-changes; eyes otherwise aren't notable enough.
-ear - I really don't like this one. Ears don't usually stand out.
-flower - Motherly, nurturing, protective.
-cloud - Kind, retiring, quiet.
-wind - Swift, energetic, tireless.
-pool - Maybe for a calm/reflective cat. Iffy on this one.

Other suffixes-
-leaf - Exceptionally skilled/called medicine cat.
-flight - Correlates to an avian prefix, referring to its flight rather than its gait (similar to -step).
-step - Correlates to an animal prefix in reference to the animal's gait.
-tooth - Similar to -fang, a generalist (there are redundant suffixes for appearance, so why not for generalists?)

[leah]

-Pelt: Used when a cat's pelt color is that of the prefix and they have no outstanding abilities, either that or whatever suffix would have worked is overused (not by others, but by myself. For example, if I have too many -flower cats in a Clan, I substitute it with an appearance suffix)
-Fur: Same as -pelt.
-Stripe: Same as -pelt, except it is used for a tabby cat.
-Heart: Used for a cat who is kind and lively, or is very opinionated.
-Storm: Used for a cat who is emotional and passionate, or has an unpredictable nature.
-Fang: Used for a cat who is evenly skilled at fighting and hunting, or authorative and charismatic.
-Claw: Used for a cat who is skilled in battle.
-Whisker: Used when a cat is mentally sensitive, or is a great hunter.
-Nose: Used when a cat is curious and intelligent, or is a great tracker.
-Foot: Used for a cat who is quick.
-Tail: Used when a cat is agile and balanced physically.
-Face: Used when a cat is handsome/beautiful.
-Throat: Used for renames
-eye: Used for renames
-ear: Used for renames
-Flower: Used for a cat who is social and protective
-Cloud: Used when a cat is gentle and patient.
-Wind: No.
-Pool: No.

Other Suffixes

-Stream: Used for a cat who is skilled at swimming.
-Stone: Used for a cat who is headstrong and corageous
-Belly: Used for a cat who is laidback and challenging.
-Spots: Used like -stripe except for a cat who is spotted.
-Step: Used when a cat steps like the prefix.
-Leg: Used when a cat is sturdy.
-Fire Used when a cat is fierce and independent.
-Leaf: Used for an exceptionally skilled Medicine Cat.
-Splotch Used very rarely incase similar prefixes become too common; for a cat with splotches.
-Dapple Used very rarely incase its prefix becomes too common; for a cat with dapples.
-Patch Used very rarely incase its prefix becomes too common; for a cat with patches.
-Jaw: Used for renames
-Scar: Used for renames

Negative Suffixes

Frost: Used for a Rename on a traitor who is calculating and deadly.
Flight: Used for a Rename on a traitor who is cowardly and irresponsible.
Fall: Used for a Rename on a Cat who loses the skills for that status.
Tooth: Used for a Rename on a Cat banished for any other reason.

[Cobalt]

Okay, doing this without looking at everyone else's answers first, because I'll probably be influenced somehow if I do.

Canon Suffix list

-Pelt: For a well-rounded, "average" cat with no fitting personality suffix, or for a cat with a very distinctive pelt.
-Fur: Same as -pelt.
-Stripe: Same as -fur and -pelt, but the cat must have noticeable tabby markings.
-Heart: For an idealistic cat, fiercely loyal to their own beleifs. One who "follows their heart", so to speak.
-Storm: For a warrior with an erratic personality, with the potential to be energetic and helpful or destructive.
-Fang: For a cat skilled in both fighting and hunting.
-Claw: For a cat very skilled in battle.
-Whisker: For a cat skilled at hunting.
-Nose: For a cat skilled at tracking, possibly hunting as well.
-Foot: For an especially swift cat, or for a cat with paws the color of their prefix.
-Tail: For an especially agile cat, or for a cat with a tail the color of their prefix.
-Face: For a particularly attractive cat with no fitting skill or personality suffix.
-Throat: I can't find any situation where another suffix would not be much better.
-eye: Only for name changes.
-ear: Only for name changes.
-Flower: For a cat with a motherly or fatherly personality, in the sense of being loving yet fiercely protective.
-Cloud: For a calm, patient cat.
-Wind: For a swift cat with a very soft step. Now that I think of it though, that would make them a great hunter, and so -whisker would likely be better.
-Pool: No.

Additional Suffixes

-Leaf: For a particularly talented medicine cat.
-Stream: For a graceful cat who is a strong swimmer

[IE]

My own attempt, oh yes!
Canon Suffix list

-Pelt: An average warrior.
-Fur:Another average warrior!
-Stripe:A THIRD average warrior, but one with distinct tabby markings who does not already have a prefix referring to their markings.
-Heart: A warrior who the leader has recognized at being a strong believer of something. A -heart cat is very focused on their beliefs.
-Storm: Notably strong and "stormy" personality. But it has to be enough to overshadow any skills the cat might have.
-Fang: More than average at fighting.
-Claw: A lot more than average at fighting!
-Whisker: A very good hunter.
-Nose: An observing cat, often very good at border patrols and hunting, due to their observation skills.
-Foot: A very fast runner.
-Tail: An agile and fast cat.
-Face: A narcissistic cat (personality prefix).
-Throat: Not used.
-eye: Not used.
-ear: Not used.
-Flower: Not used.
-Cloud: Another personality prefix. A cat that is good with kits and elders, so much that their personality overshadows any skills.
-Wind: Not used.
-Pool: Not used.

Additional Suffixes
-Leaf: Used only for absolutely excellent medicine cats.