headcanon

What does headcanon mean?

Headcanon is a slang term for someone’s personal interpretation of or belief about the details of a fictional story that aren’t part of the “official” account.

In pop culture, the word canon refers to the aspects of a story or fictional “world” or “universe” that are considered to be “official”—meaning they have been confirmed within the story or in some other way (for example, an author or director might confirm something to be canon in an interview or in bonus material).

In contrast, headcanon is simply what a fan believes (or wants) to be true about a story. It can involve backstory, what happens after the story ends, or any other aspect. Headcanon often involves shipping, which is the practice of romantically linking two characters who don’t have any romantic interactions in the actual story.

Of course, it is possible for someone’s headcanon to become canon if such details later become part of the story or are confirmed as true in some way.

Sometimes, the term is used in the context of theories that are intended to be humorous or ridiculous, as opposed to serious interpretations.

Example: In my headcanon, Augustus Gloop wins the lifetime supply of chocolate after Willy Wonka admits he never said not to drink from the chocolate river. #JusticeforAugustus