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

Derived Forms

• fanboying
  noun

Etymology

Origin of fanboy

First recorded in 1915–20; fan ² + boy

Example Sentences

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

On Thursday Mr. Roberts released a startling video to oppose the alleged “cancellation” of Tucker Carlson and even of Hitler fanboy Nick Fuentes, whom Mr. Carlson had hosted for a chummy podcast interview.

From The Wall Street Journal • Nov. 2, 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

In another post Monday, King, 76, said the trolling against “The Marvels” “may be adolescent fanboy hate.”

From Los Angeles Times • Nov. 14, 2023

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

From "City of the Plague God" by Sarwat Chadda