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

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

An apple-cheeked, motor-mouthed fanboy, he doesn’t fit the profile of, say, former Libyan dictator Moammar Kadafi who managed to command performances from Mariah Carey and Beyoncé.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 27, 2025

Being a fanboy earned him no special treatment, as Zizo was introduced the harsh realities of boxing pretty quickly.

From BBC • May 28, 2024

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