A fiber optic attenuating element is formed of a thermoplastic polymer having (i) a refractive index in the range of between about 1.42 and 1.47 as measured at a temperature of 23 C. and a wavelength of 1550 nm, (ii) a glass transition temperature of at least 105 C., and (iii) an intrinsic loss of less than one dB/mm at 1310 and 1550 nm. In disclosed embodiments, the polymer includes at least one monomer including fluorinated moieties and, optionally, one or more additional monomers. A main body portion of the element has a first planar contact face on a first side and a second planar contact face on a second, opposite side. The contact faces are dimensioned to couple optically with first and second optical fibers when ends of the fibers are urged against the faces by parts of an attenuator device in which the element is mounted.