I posted yesterday’s question on a graphic design educators listserv, and I have already received three great responses. My question hasn’t been directly answered (which means it’s a good question, rIght?) but I have learned a great deal. There is more to the words serif and sans-serif than you might have expected. If you’re interested in such things and you have some time, check out How should ‘sans’ be pronounced”, a lively discussion of the subject at Typophile.com.