stanning
Being an intensely devoted fan of a person, group, or thing.
By Cal Hewitt, Gen X · Researched from public sources · ·
What it actually means
Stanning originally carried a warning about excessive fandom but is now often used positively or playfully for strong support. It can still imply overinvestment when used critically. Healthy enthusiasm and harassment of critics are not the same thing.
See the quick definition in the stanning dictionary entry.
Where it came from
Stanning derives from stan, the fan term named for Eminem’s 2000 song Stan. Merriam-Webster gives 2008 as the first known verb use and defines it as extreme or excessive fandom.
Commonly credited to Eminem’s 2000 song Stan supplied the source name (2008 first known verb use), well-documented.
Where it's popular
Music fandom, social media, fan accounts, and pop-culture communities.
The common claim that stan was deliberately made from stalker plus fan is disputed; Eminem’s former manager called it a coincidence.
How it caught on
- 2000Eminem released Stan, the source of the fandom term.
- 2008Merriam-Webster records the verb use stanning.
- 2010sSocial-media fandom broadened the term into a common positive and ironic label.
How to use it
“I’ve been stanning that singer since the first album.”
Enthusiastic fan support.
“The replies crossed from stanning into attacking anyone who disagreed.”
Noting the term’s critical edge.
Common mix-ups
Stanning is not automatically harmless loyalty. The term comes from a story about unhealthy obsession, and stan is not confirmed to be a deliberate stalker-plus-fan blend.
Do you actually know it?
Stan the history
0/31. What song supplied the source for stan?
2. What first-known-use year does Merriam-Webster give stanning’s verb?
3. What is disputed about stan’s name?
Related slang
Questions people ask
What does stanning mean?
Showing intense enthusiasm or devotion as a fan.
Where does stanning come from?
From stan, named for Eminem’s 2000 song Stan.
When was the verb first recorded?
Merriam-Webster gives 2008.
Merriam-Webster treats stan as both a noun and a verb, with stanning as the verb’s present participle.
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