Discourse is the new wank: A reflection on linguistic change in fandom

Authors

  • Lily Winterwood

Keywords:

Dreamwidth, Fan art, Fan community, Fan fiction, Language, LiveJournal, Politics, Tumblr, Callout culture

Abstract

A survey disseminated April 13–16, 2017, revealed statistically significant differences in the definitions of various slang terms found in old (LiveJournal-based) and new (Tumblr-based) fandom. This cultural and lexical shift is indicative of a generational gap between old and new fandom, influenced by imbroglios such as RaceFail '09 and the increasing acceptance of fandom into mainstream culture. As fandom demographics continue to change, so will its lexicon and culture.

Tumblr-blue image with symbols of various fandoms surrounding a lowercase t in Tumblr's font. Text underneath reads "Ubi invenimus in domos nostras" (Here we found our homes).

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Published

2017-12-13

Issue

Vol. 27 (2018): Tumblr and Fandom

Section

Symposium

License

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