This tag is for questions about words, terms, or phrases in Sci-Fi or Fantasy.
Questions tagged [terminology]
111 questions
31
votes
3 answers
What is a retcon, or retroactive continuity?
I understand that it is short for retroactive continuity, but could someone explain the concept and provide some examples to illustrate?
Kyle
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19
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1 answer
What’s the first use of the term “Downwell”
Downwell is used as a term for being on-planet, down a gravity well. I first heard it recently reading the Imperial Radch trilogy, and just saw the term used in promo for another story, and was wondering when it was first used—if there was some…
porglezomp
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7
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1 answer
What do the terms 'Doylist/Doylian' and 'Watsonian' mean?
Having been a bit of a lurker recently I've noticed a rise in the terms, 'Doylist', and 'Watsonian' when referring to opinion based replies or to describe character thoughts, feelings and reasoning behind actions.
The most recent version of this can…
MrDobilina
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4
votes
4 answers
Is there a name for the genre of fiction in which problems are solved by the main character "just being special"?
There is a trend in some science fiction/fantasy art (literature, TV, movies, etc) to make main characters special in some deep way, and then use their special qualities to solve the major conflicts in the story. The prototype for me of this is…
cduston
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3
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3 answers
What is the "airport" part of a space station called?
In a huge space station where thousands of people live and work, the section where space ships dock, passengers wait to board, and goods are being unloaded, will very likely be separate from the working and living areas, just like an airport is…
user30564
1
vote
0 answers
What is the name for the specific character archetype common in traditional Sword and Planet stories like John Carter?
You see it a lot more in other ERB works like Pellucidar or Philip José Farmer's World of Tiers (John Carter is just the most famous these days). It's a term used to describe the standard character from this era of fantasy books who exemplifies the…
Idontknowsomething
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Futuristic visual style - Thor: Ragnarok, Transistor video game
What is this colorful and futuristic visual style you can see in Thor: Ragnarok the Transistor video game?
Thor: Ragnarok - end credits - YouTube.
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2 answers
What does MCU stand for?
I see the acronym MCU being used a lot on Science Fiction & Fantasy Stack Exchange.
What does it stand for?
Hobo_warrior
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