Definition of "fanboy"

Flash Forever

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Dec 31, 2001, 5:57:01 PM12/31/01

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This has probably been brought up before, but I'm curious about
something. I've heard the word "fanboy" brandied about quite a bit and
it is sometimes used as a "derisive" term. While I understand the
general implication of the term, I've never seen a *concrete* definition
of *WHAT* exactly a "fanboy" is (or, is not).

*So, what is the real definition of the word? Fanboy (a noun?)--
*What, exaclty, does one have to do to qualify to be a "fanboy" or (I
guess) a "fangirl?"
*What, exactly, does one have to do to qualify as NOT being a "fanboy?"
*Where did the term originate from?

This is a little on the silly side, but I thought some people might have
fun with it. Maybe we could submit the BEST definition for the next
edition of Websters?

Ian Boothby

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Dec 31, 2001, 8:40:02 PM12/31/01

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Flash Forever <flashf...@webtv.net> wrote in message
news:9800-3C3...@storefull-612.iap.bryant.webtv.net...

It's a self loathing term that's occasionally used as a term of endearment
in the way a racial
slur would used by someone of the same race.

What happens is people are bullied as kids and then when the bullies leave
they bully themselves.
See any issue of Wizard for examples. More fat and geek jokes than in any
other magazine ever.

Hawkboy

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Jan 8, 2002, 1:17:47 AM1/8/02

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"Flash Forever" <flashf...@webtv.net> wrote in message
news:9800-3C3...@storefull-612.iap.bryant.webtv.net...

If you are reading this right now ................you are a Fanboy.

Hawkboy

DonFro...@webtv.net

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Jan 8, 2002, 11:56:42 AM1/8/02

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To me "fanboy" has always meant a reader who reads comics by only one
publisher in the firm belief that each and everything that publisher
puts out or has ever put out is better than each and everything the
other publisher has ever put out. Though the word "zombie" might fit
better here.

DON
"LET'S ROLL"
GO AMERICA!!!
AND HER ALLIES!!!

Adrian Brown

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Jan 9, 2002, 7:02:44 AM1/9/02

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>
>*So, what is the real definition of the word? Fanboy (a noun?)--
>*What, exaclty, does one have to do to qualify to be a "fanboy" or (I
>guess) a "fangirl?"
>*What, exactly, does one have to do to qualify as NOT being a "fanboy?"
>*Where did the term originate from?

It's a person who uses some preternatural "superpowers" to fight crime and
evil, whilst wearing a recognisable "costume", usually but not limited to
figure-hugging spandex.

Oh wait, that's the *other* definition.

To me (and of course that's the only definition that really matters) a fanboy -
or fankid - is someone who values fandom over content.

ie they will buy everything a particular publisher brings out regardless of
quality.
(something I used to do with Vertigo)
or every title featuring a particular character
(I have all the Swamp Things and only recently stopped Hellblazer, but at least
it's not X Men or Batman)

There are of course the writer fan-kids,
they are everywhere and much worse than
artist fan-kids.

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