Scrit

A scrit (noun, pronounced skrit) is the term for a standard writing instrument of any type.

Origin

Necessity is the mother of invention, and the need for this word facilitated its creation by Jason Harden and Jon Reddick during the fall of 1990 while roommates at Florida State University.

The two were discussing the wasted and time-killing dialog which takes place between a person with no writing instrument (Person A) who needs to write something down in a hurry (i.e. phone number, quick note, etc.) but has no preference for instrument and the person who has writing instruments available for loan (Person B) but is over-eager to provide just the right instrument.

Person A: (waving to get atention) "Hey, do you have a penc?"

Person B: "I have a pencil, but no pen."

Person A: (aggravated) "Good, a pencil, that's fine. Can I use your pencil?"

Person B: (irritated) "Well, why didn't you say 'pencil' then? Don't get aggravated at me."

Person A: (exasperated) "Because it didn't make any difference. Can I have the pencil now, please?"