Fanboy Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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fanboy
[ˈfænˌbɔɪ ]
Definition
enthusiastic supporter
A fanboy is an ardent or overly enthusiastic fan of a particular thing, often related to entertainment, technology, or culture. This term is frequently used to describe someone who displays unwavering loyalty to a brand, series, or celebrity, sometimes to the point of irrationality. Fanboys often engage in debates, defend their favorites against criticism, and may disregard objective analysis in favor of their personal preferences. The term can have both positive and negative connotations, depending on the intensity and behavior exhibited by the fanboy.
Synonyms
aficionado, devotee, enthusiast, supporter.
Examples of usage
- He's such a fanboy for that superhero movie franchise.
- The tech fanboys flooded the forums with their reviews.
- As a fanboy of the band, he knows every song by heart.
Translations
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Origin of 'fanboy'
The term 'fanboy' emerged in the 1980s and is a combination of 'fan', which itself denotes an enthusiastic admirer of a sport or a form of entertainment, and 'boy', reflecting a youthful or naive affection for something. The use of 'boy' suggests a certain playfulness or immaturity often associated with intense fandoms, particularly in the context of comic books, video games, and science fiction. Over the years, 'fanboy' has evolved to encapsulate a broader demographic, including adults who maintain that passionate enthusiasm from childhood into their adult lives. The concept can sometimes highlight the often humorous or exaggerated behavior displayed by such fans, especially in internet culture, where fanboyism frequently leads to online disputes and cultural phenomena surrounding pop culture.