Fan (person)

A fan, or fanatic, is a person with a strong interest in a specific subject. This subject might be a celebrity, a sports team, or a video game. When many people share this interest, they form a group called a fandom or a fanbase.

Fans express their devotion through many different activities. Some people join fan clubs or attend large gatherings called conventions. Others engage in "fan labor," which means they create new things. This includes writing fan fiction, drawing fan art, or making digital memes. Some very intense fans are even called "stans," a term combining the words "stalker" and "fan."

Fans often seek social connection and material items. They may use chat rooms, email, or face-to-face meetings to talk with others. Many fans also want to own objects related to their interest. This could be a baseball hit by a famous player or a guitar pick from a musician.

The level of involvement often depends on the complexity of the subject. A complex subject requires more time to understand. This investment of mental effort can create a stronger sense of belonging within the community.

The word "fan" has a long and complex history. It is a shortened version of "fanatic," a word that entered English around 1550. The term comes from the Latin "fanaticus," meaning "insanely but divinely inspired." Originally, the word related to sacred places or temples. Another theory suggests it comes from "the fancy," a term used for hobby enthusiasts. In 1882, Chris von der Ahe used the term for baseball fans. He owned the Saint Louis Brown Stockings and sold cheap tickets to increase attendance.

Celebrity fandom is a major part of fan culture. These fans may have a crush on a movie star or an athlete. Some fans, known as "groupies," follow musical bands on concert tours. This devotion can range from a simple crush to a one-sided relationship called a parasocial interaction. In extreme and unhealthy cases, this can lead to celebrity worship syndrome. This can sometimes result in stalking or violent behavior. One tragic example occurred in 1989 with the death of actress Rebecca Schaeffer.

Music and theater also have unique fan groups. In the 1960s, the extreme excitement for the Beatles was called "Beatlemania." Musical theater fans often have special names, too. Fans of the musical "Rent" are called "Rentheads." Fans of "The Phantom of the Opera" are known as "Phans." In Japan, the term "otaku" describes people with obsessive interests. While it usually refers to anime fans in English, it can be a derogatory term in Japan.

Science fiction fandom has been organized since the 1920s. These fans created their own culture, including fanzines and the Hugo Awards. They even developed a special language called "fanspeak." This language uses acronyms, puns, and made-up words. For example, an "Actifan" is someone who creates fan content. A "Passifan" is someone who enjoys the subject but does not create anything. Fans of "Star Trek" are often called "Trekkies" or "Trekkers."

This organized sub-culture helped inspire other groups like comic book and gaming fandoms.

Sports fandom is another massive global community. Fans may support a specific athlete, a team, or an entire sport. They often watch games in stadiums, sports bars, or at home. At a stadium, fans show support by cheering, clapping, or shouting. However, intense emotions can sometimes lead to negative actions. This type of violent behavior is known as "hooliganism." In professional wrestling, fans are divided into two groups. "Marks" believe the wrestling is real. "Smarks" know the show is a stage-managed work but enjoy it anyway.