The Tiffany Problem — When History Makes No Sense

Photo by Clarisse Meyer on Unsplash

It’s referred to as the “Tiffany problem,” and it’s when somebody writing historical fiction does something that is well-researched and accurate, but the reader doesn’t buy it because of their perception of the past.

Who is Tiffany anyway?

Actually, not a person.

The phrase “the Tiffany problem” comes from the name Tiffanie or Tiffania, commonly given to girls born on or close to the feast of the Epiphany.

The name dates back to the 12th century. But if a historical fiction or fantasy writer uses it, a reader is likely to insist that that can’t possibly true. We associate Tiffany with diamonds, an Audrey Hepburn movie, and, well. It’s a modern name.

The term was coined by the wonderful Jo Walton (read her books).

Now, there are some levels of the Tiffany problem where an author can just roll their eyes and change it; which, of course, includes the name itself.

Photo by Brunel Johnson on Unsplash

When it Becomes a Real Problem

So, I’m going to reach to media for this example because of the (rather charming, not)…