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

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

From BBC • May 28, 2024

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

From Los Angeles Times • Nov. 14, 2023

Even as an Apple fanboy, I’m skeptical about the presentation’s perfectly manicured social reality.

From Slate • Jun. 8, 2023

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

From "City of the Plague God" by Sarwat Chadda