stan culture

[ stan kuhl-cher ]

noun

1. the behavior or beliefs of an extreme fandom whose members fervently and blindly support their chosen celebrity or team, often demonizing or reviling anyone or anything opposed to, or not sufficiently devoted to, the object of their worship.

Word History and Origins

Origin of stan culture¹

First recorded in 2000–05; stan ( def )

Example Sentences

In a time of stan culture run amok, it’s thrilling to hear a superstar address her followers this way — and wild to imagine the response among those she’s relied on to fork over untold sums for concert tickets and collectible vinyl editions of her records.

From Los Angeles Times

“Clearly, it’s very lucrative for the media and stan culture to pit two women against each other, even when the two artists in question refuse to participate in that discussion,” Swift told Time magazine.

From New York Times

Since Swift and Kelce have gone public with their relationship, it’s brought to light the power of superfans and so-called “stan culture.”

From Salon

Stan culture is one where superfans feel they have a sense of belonging, a community to share their interests with — like a celebrity’s music — and one where they feel closely connected to their idol.

From Salon

Could it be that stan culture is the result of us replacing in-person friendships with the mirage of celebrity ones?

From Salon