retcon

American  

[ret-kon] / ˈrɛtˌkɒn /

noun

1. a subsequent revision of an established story in film, TV, video games, or comics.

   In an awkward retcon of his origin story, the hero’s parents survived the attack but suffered complete memory loss.

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verb (used with object)

retconned, retconning

1. to later revise (an established element of a fictional story).

   The writers retconned the origin of her powers, newly attributing them to alien ancestry.

Usage

What does retcon mean? Retcon is an informal term for a revision made to an established story after the story was published or released, as in Fans were frustrated with the retcons that eliminated some of the TV series’ early characters. The term is a shortening of retroactive continuity. It is also used as a verb meaning to later revise an established story, as in I can’t believe they retconned a romance between the hero and the villain!Retcon is used mostly informally in reference to movies, television, video games, comic books, and similar types of entertainment with an ongoing story. A retcon is a plot point, reveal, or significant change that invalidates or changes the past of the story in order to maintain continuity within the whole of the story. Example: The fact that he had a son we never heard about does make sense, so I'm okay with the retcon.

Etymology

Origin of retcon

First recorded in 1980–85; a shortening of retroactive continuity

Example Sentences

In general parlance, to retcon is to alter a previously established fictional narrative, after the fact of its publication or release.

From Salon • Apr. 20, 2022

It’s a complete bizarre retcon of the original mythology that makes no sense except to create an opportunity for Laurie and Hawkins to share a moment while recovering from their Michael-inflicted wounds in the hospital.

From Seattle Times • Oct. 15, 2021

It’s a completely bizarre retcon of the original mythology that makes no sense except to create an opportunity for Laurie and Hawkins to share a moment while recovering from their Myers-inflicted wounds in the hospital.

From Los Angeles Times • Oct. 13, 2021

You can’t retcon a date into having numerological significance, or if you can, then you have to admit that you’re just making it up.

From Slate • Dec. 11, 2020

For    example, revealing that a whole season of "Dallas" was a    dream was a retcon.

From The Jargon File, Version 4.0.0, 24 Jul 1996 by Raymond, Eric S.