Screwon

Screwon is a neologism used in online communities and speculative fiction to describe a philosophy, practice, or state of being characterized by decisive action and the rapid finalization of decisions or assemblies. Derived from the metaphor of fastening with a screw, the term can function as a noun (a screwon), a verb (to screwon), or an adjective (screwon in approach). In practice, a screwon approach emphasizes closure, reliability, and straightforward mechanisms, often prioritizing practical outcomes over prolonged discussion.

Etymology and spread: The term blends screw imagery with the idea of turning a device to secure it. It emerged in maker and engineering discussions in the early 2010s and was later adopted by science fiction and gaming communities to describe characters, factions, or methodologies that favor unambiguous completion over nuance.

Usage and examples: A screwon may be described as a team member who moves quickly to lock in decisions, a plan that proceeds with a clear, fast path to implementation, or a device or system designed for rapid assembly. In writing and role-playing contexts, screwon characters tend to rely on simple, robust processes and avoid overly complex protocols.

Reception: Critics argue that screwon prioritizes speed at the cost of reflection and flexibility, while supporters view it as a pragmatic discipline that reduces drift and paralysis by analysis. It remains a niche term, with usage concentrated in maker culture, speculative fiction, and some technical discourse.