Definition A fitzy (aka. fitz, niall fitz) is an argument or presentation made in written form which is based entirely, or almost entirely, on misconception. It usually involves a mangling of words, a corruption of ideas, or a juxtaposition of facts, images, words, events, or scenarios where it is evident how a link which is in fact non-existent was made by the author. A true fitz will always provide an amount of entertainment for the reader, though the actual comic effect will depend on the type and the context in which it occurs. The primary forms of the fitzy, the unintentional and the deliberate, are described in more detail later. Variations of both are possible however, such is the spontaneous and random nature of the event. Fitzies usually occur on internet message boards, but the definition is currently being extended to include blunders in other mass-media outlets.

Derivations of the term include "fiztyesque" (adj. to have the characteristics of a fitzy) and the term "to pull a fitzy" (an author has perpetrated a fitzy).

Origins Niall Fitz is a fictional character hailing from Cork City, Ireland. He was conceived when a less than erudite internet forum poster known as Langer Dan informed the patrons of the People's Republic of Cork message board that a certain Niall Fitz deserved to be included on the GAA’s Hurling team of the Decade. There is in fact no such person/hurler. Forumites quickly took the character to their hearts and something of a cult icon was born.

The unintentional fitzy The original form of the fitzy, and the most spontaneous, is most entertaining in that it encourages public ridicule of the author. It is customary to lampoon the author, and expose the folly of his ways, by using deliberate fitzies that are spin-offs of the original. The unintentional fitzy is usually the result of a certain confusion, feebleness of mind, and an uncertainty as to the true facts of a situation. A fitzy can provide particular hilarity where it forms part of an impassioned argument on a subject that the author is particularly indignant or angry about. The anger may in fact have been the source of the confusion in this situation, blinding the author to the true facts. The fitzy is often cruelly exposed with hilarious consequences, and used to completely invalidate the author's original argument.

Examples of this would include works of prose extolling the virtues of Cork hurlers, who, in fact, don't even exist. Similarly, arguments based on counties of Ireland that are only figments of the author's imagination, or other similar instances of geographical ignorance, fall into this category and should be exposed and ridiculed for what they are.

The deliberate fitzy The second main form the art of fitzy is quite different to the original in that it is a construct created deliberately for comic effect. They are usually spawned in the "Niall Fitz appreciation thread" on the PROC website, where they are carefully nurtured by various internet posters. A deliberate fitzy may be used with devestating effect outside this thread to ruthlessly expose flaws in topical arguments. A successful deliberate fitzy can often be a labour of love for an author, as collecting the loosely-rated facts, images, and scenarios required is quite a skill.

Philosophy Many true connoisseurs of the fitzy argue that they are not simply constructs of language and contrasting images, but rather something more intangible, like a state of mind. This, they say, is illustrated by the fact that one cannot truly understand fitzy unless they have experienced it for themselves. Others say it is a philosophy, one that gives a deep insight into the random workings of the human brain. Some also contend that a full understanding of this philosophy could lead to scientific discoveries and cures for diseases such as Alzheimer's or Parkinson's. All are agreed though that the fitzy phenomenon is alive and well on the internet and should be fostered for the entertainment of the masses.