FanFiction Terminologies

Fan-fiction is a language created by the internet. A language that comprises of acronyms and words that has a more complex meaning compared to when it’s used in the English language.

Fan-fiction terms and lingo is more importantly used when writing, however some terms in fan-fiction are also used in the English language if it appears apt. Some terms are less complex than others, which is why it can be used on the daily.

‘OTP’ stands for One True Pair(ing) - this is when two characters in reality or the fictional world are your most favourite couple. They don’t necessarily have to be together, as long as the writer can see it happening - they can write it. For example, Hermione and Ron, or Hermione and Draco.

However, before a writer can pair anyone together, he/she have to be able to see the possibility of the two characters expanding in partnership. This term is called ‘Ship(ping)’. In other words, it is to root for two characters to be attached romantically - even if they were not paired together in the reality. For example, Hermione and Fred Weasley.

A bigger picture of it all is, the writer has to be interested in the creative medium these characters come from. That is called “Fandom”. For example, to see the possibility of Hermione and Fred expanding as a dynamic couple, they’d have to be interested in Harry Potter. Hence, it is called the Harry Potter Fandom.