Xyzzy
From IFWiki
A magic word implemented by Will Crowther in the original text adventure, known as "Advent" or "Colossal Cave Adventure", among other names. It was the first magic word the player encountered, and transported the PC between two locations on incantation. It is now included in many current games as an homage.
The Zork games from Infocom had a response to xyzzy (as well as the additional spells plugh and plover): "A hollow voice says, 'Fool.'" (In Advent, a hollow voice is what informs the player of the magic word "plugh".) Many modern IF games have a humorous response to the magic words (or just >XYZZY) as well, sometimes involving the hollow voice.
The publication XYZZYnews and its annual XYZZY Awards are named after the magic word.
Links
- Everything you ever wanted to know about the magic word XYZZY by Rick Adams.
- What XYZZY Does by Eileen Mullin for XYZZYNews issue 3.
- Xyzzy Responses Lots of responses to >XYZZY, culled from many many games. Maintained by David Welbourn.