When describing our hobby and the kinds of games we play to others, many of us probably use the term "German games." Perhaps it is not the best one--or maybe you think it is--but is becoming so ingrained in us through repetitive exposure and reuse that I think getting away from it is becoming difficult.
Alan R. Moon suggested another term--designer games--that I am starting to favor. There are a number of reasons why we may want to consider using another moniker. Many of them are touched upon in the articles included below.
I do agree that "designer games" can sound a little pretentious. It seems that there is no one word to append in front of "games" that quite does the trick.
Jeff, I know you are indifferent to a new moniker, but perhaps "strategy games" is more to your liking?