Metal detectorist

[nq:1]I first saw the noun "metal detectorist" today. I can't see the point of the -ist. Both the man and the machine are metal detectors. A metal detector isn't going to move by itself or dig anything up, is it?[/nq]
The man can be either...but could easily become a metal detector who uses a metal detector.
Sky News favoured "metal detector" for the man in the Staffordshire treasure case.

[nq:2]I first saw the noun "metal detectorist" today. I can't ... to move by itself or dig anything up, is it?[/nq]
[nq:1]The man can be either...but could easily become a metal detector who uses a metal detector. Sky News favoured "metal ... be the term used by the cognoscenti...In the interest of avoiding ambiguity, perhaps? Or in the interest of being elitist![/nq]
Although I don't like

[nq:2]I first saw the noun "metal detectorist" today. I can't ... to move by itself or dig anything up, is it?[/nq]
[nq:1]The man can be either...but could easily become a metal detector who uses a metal detector. Sky News favoured "metal ... be the term used by the cognoscenti...In the interest of avoiding ambiguity, perhaps? Or in the interest of being elitist![/nq]
Sort of like the latt

[nq:1]Sort of like the latter. I'm sure it means someone whose job is to use one. Sort of like shovel ... ad online trying to borrow a metal detector for one day, and then I come here and see this thread.[/nq]
The problem only arises because the tool has a prior claim to the "er" suffix than the operator of the tool does.
I think that you would normally call someone who is using a shovel "

[nq:1]Detectist" (cf "The Shootist").[/nq]
Detectionist? Cf. projectionist, protectionist, contortionist, etc.

¬(accordionist?)R

Hi,

After all this discussion, I feel a bit crass in saying that I'd just speak of 'a person wih a metal detector'.

[nq:1]Detectionist?[/nq]
Well, you wouldn't be alone if you decided to adopt that word. Indeed, you would probably be designated an "honorary anorak", it being the description favoured by such hallowed institutions as "TreasureQuest (the number one online treasure hunting community!)", not to mention "The Numismatic Bibliomania Society", and "detectionist" has even been given the green light a

[nq:2]Detectist" (cf "The Shootist").[/nq]
[nq:1]Detectionist? Cf. projectionist, protectionist, contortionist, etc. ¬(accordionist?)R[/nq]
I don't suppose "metal detective" is worth consideration? No, I thought not.

Ian

[nq:1]Hi, After all this discussion, I feel a bit crass in saying that I'd just speak of 'a person wih a metal detector'.[/nq]
That could refer to a person with a metal detector on a single occasion being used for any purpose. Such a person would not necessarily be a participant in the hobby of Metal Detecting.

Peter Duncanson, UK
(in alt.english.usage)