fanboy

American  

[fan-boi] / ˈfænˌbɔɪ /

noun

1. Sometimes fanboi an obsessive male fan, especially of comic books, science fiction, video games, music, or electronic devices.

   Apple fanboys lined up to buy the new phone.

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verb (used without object)

1. (of a male fan) to demonstrate intense excitement at the mention or in the presence of a particular celebrity, film, product, etc., especially one associated with popular culture or technology.

   I don't usually fanboy over optics, but these binoculars are awesome.

Other Word Forms

• fanboying
  noun

Etymology

Origin of fanboy

First recorded in 1915–20; fan ² + boy

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

fanboy

This involves choosing a patron saint, and Michael speaks with the wild enthusiasm of a Marvel movie fanboy about his likely decision, St. George, who endures various grisly tortures but remains steadfast.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Jul. 29, 2026

While Cameron said he thinks Eilish tried to play it cool and not "fangirl" when she first met him, he wasn't nearly so calm, telling the BBC he was a "fanboy" from the get-go.

From BBC ● Apr. 28, 2026

The English folk scene grabbed hold of Worley at a young age, and when he approached the Zeppelin legend, he didn’t fanboy.

From Los Angeles Times ● Nov. 20, 2025

Meanwhile, major articles by Athletic reporters Doug Haller and Vic Tafur on the durability of basketball superstar Kevin Durant and the day’s NFL games proved adequate fanboy fare.

From Salon ● Nov. 26, 2023

"Can I take a moment to fanboy? That was Gilgamesh," I said.

From "City of the Plague God" by Sarwat Chadda