Archive:Fanboy

2007-08-21T14:50:04Z

134.241.58.251: /* History of fanboys and the term */ remove inflammatory POV

'''Fanboy''' is a term used to describe an individual (usually male, though the feminine version '''fangirl''' may be used for females) who is utterly devoted to a single fannish subject, or to a single point of view within that subject, often to the point where it is considered an [[obsession]]. Fanboys remain loyal to their particular obsession, disregarding any factors that differ from their point of view.

== Background ==
Stereotypical fanboys are attributed with a sycophantic devotion to the creators and principles behind a work with which they are currently enthralled. Fanboys are noted for a very emotional attachment to their chosen subject, often taking negative remarks about it as a personal attack. They will readily engage in debates, but will fall back on emotional responses when challenged on facts. For example, a fanboy may go out of his way to point out negative and often untrue statements about their obsession's rivals. Fanboys are often hostile towards critical review of their chosen subject. The stereotypical image of the fanboy is as an unkempt, socially awkward young man who may be perceived as a loud mouthed [[pseudo-intellectual]]. Fanboys are also typically [[aggressive]] and hateful towards the opposing brand or competition of their obsession regardless of its merits or achievements.

As electronic entertainment gained popularity, the term became increasingly applied to [[video game]] and [[television]] addicts. As a result, a subculture emerged which readily labeled itself as "fanboys." Within this group, more effort is taken to fit in with a perceived standard, resulting in a more outgoing attitude, even among those with insecurities. This outgoing stance is often felt to be abrasive by those not involved in the culture as deeply. The term originated in [[comic book]] circles, to describe someone who immersed himself in the fictional worlds of comics and the culture of comics fandom. The term is often used in a derogatory manner by other less obsessed fans. In the songs of the fannish [[parody]] [[musician]] [[Luke Ski]], many characters proudly consider themselves ''fanboys''. The term is most commonly associated with adolescent and teen males but can be applicable to any age or sex.

==History of fanboys and the term==
The term "fanboy" is most commonly associated with adolescent and teen males but can be applicable to any age or sex. it is often used in a derogatory manner by other, less obsessed fans. The term originated in [[comic book]] circles to describe someone immersed in the fictional worlds of comics and the culture of comics fandom. Common subjects of reverence by fanboys are [[TV show]]s, [[film|movie]]s, [[music]], [[anime]], [[comic book]]s, [[Star Trek]] ("[[Trekkies]]"), [[Star Wars]] ("Warsies"), [[car]]s, [[video game console]]s, [[video games]], [[operating system]]s, [[MMORPG]]s, [[Computer Hardware|hardware]] and [[software]] companies.

Popular depictions of Fanboy stereotypes include the [[Comic Book Guy]] on ''[[The Simpsons]]'' and columnist [[Larry Groznic]] from the satirical newspaper ''[[The Onion]]''. In the songs of the fannish [[parody]] [[musician]] [[Luke Ski]], many characters proudly consider themselves ''fanboys.''

The earliest published uses of the word "fanboy" have been dated to 1982. One reference is to the cover of the "Official Underground and Newave Comix Price Guide". On this cover page are sketched overweight, overzealous comic book collectors wearing T-shirts that state "Fanboys of America," and are describing the extreme measures they would go to, including moving to San Francisco, to preserve their comics.

Also published in 1982, a comic strip appeared in Jim Engel and Chuck Fiala's "Fandom Confidential" comic. In the strip, Jim and Chuck met comic artist/writer [[John Byrne]] and collapsed into "mindless paroxysms of adoration." The John Byrne character responded that they were "a couple of fanboys in bondage" (a play on words referring to a [[List of Monty Python’s Flying Circus episodes#10. E. Henry Thripshaw.27s Disease|Monty Python sketch]] in which an Elizabethan era character reads what she claims to be a new Shakespeare work called "Gay Boys in Bondage". <ref>http://www.byrnerobotics.com/FAQ/listing.asp?ID=7&T1=Miscellaneous+Questions#154</ref> Another early use is in a smart-alec editorial reply by "[[Ambush Bug]]" to a letter in his comic in [[1985]].

==Media==

===Comic Book===
*[[Sergio Aragonés]]' ''Fanboy''
*[[Galactic Storm]] ''Fanboy''

===Television===
*''[[The Simpsons]]'''s [[Comic Book Guy]] refers to himself as a fanboy.
*''[[Freakazoid!|Freakazoid]]'''s [[freakazoid!#Other characters|Fan Boy]]
*''[[King of the Hill]]'''s [[Hank Hill]] is a fanboy of [[propane]].

===Radio/Podcasts===
*[[Fanboy Radio]] - [http://fanboyradio.com]
*[[The Opie and Anthony Show]] - [http://www.opieandanthony.com]

==See also==
* [[Addiction]]
* [[Cyberstalking]]
* [[Editor war]]
* [[Anorak (slang)|Anorak]]
* [[Astroturfing]]
* [[Otaku]]

== External links ==
* [http://www.urbandictionary.com/define.php?term=fanboy Urban dictionary: fanboy]
* [http://www.netjak.com/review.php/1013 Dissecting the Fanboy Mind] - A discussion of the fanboy behavior in regards to video games.
* [http://palgn.com.au/article.php?id=6463 The trial of the Fanboy] - A criticism of the fanboy concept and overusage of the term.
[[Category:Fandom]]
[[Category:Anime and manga terminology]]

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