What does fanzine mean?
A fanzine is an amateur, non-commercial magazine created by enthusiasts of a particular subject — most famously science fiction, but also music, comics, film, sport, and countless other interests. Typically produced on a shoestring budget, photocopied or mimeographed, and distributed in small print runs to a devoted readership, the fanzine is defined less by its polish than by its independence and passion: it exists for love of the subject, not profit. The word itself is a blend of 'fan' and 'magazine', coined within early science fiction communities in the first half of the twentieth century. Fanzines played a crucial role in punk culture, where hand-made music fanzines documented scenes that mainstream press ignored, and many professional writers and critics began their careers writing for them. Though largely superseded by blogs and social media, fanzines remain a beloved symbol of DIY publishing and grassroots creativity.
nounA small, non-professional magazine produced inexpensively by enthusiasts of a particular interest or hobby, typically distributed to a small circle of like-minded readers.
- A non-professional, amateur magazine produced by enthusiasts of a specific interest (most commonly science fiction, music, comics, or other fandoms), usually cheaply printed and circulated among a small community.
"In the 1970s, punk bands reached their first audiences through hand-stapled fanzines photocopied in someone's bedroom."
"Her first published writing appeared in a science fiction fanzine when she was only fourteen."
"The punk scene of the late 1970s thrived on photocopied fanzines passed hand to hand at gigs."
Standard pluralization; no irregular forms.
"Boxes of old fanzines from the 1980s hardcore scene sold for surprisingly high prices at the collectors' fair."
Before the internet gave everyone a voice, fanzines were the DIY media of the obsessed — and they gave us the word 'zine', plus the entire culture of blogging in print form.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of fanzine
'Fanzine' is a portmanteau blending 'fan' (itself a 19th-century American English clipping of 'fanatic') with 'magazine'. The term emerged from American science fiction fandom, where amateur enthusiast publications were flourishing by the late 1930s and 1940s; it is generally credited to members of this community in that era. The blend later gave rise to the clipped form 'zine', now applied broadly to small independent publications of all kinds.
Related word forms
How fanzine is actually used
The word carries connotations of grassroots passion, DIY culture, and community rather than profit. It is informal-to-neutral in register and widely understood, though the shortened form 'zine' is now more common among younger speakers. The term originated in science fiction fandom but broadened to music, comics, sports, and other subcultures.
Easily confused with fanzine
A magazine is a professionally published, commercial periodical, whereas a fanzine is an amateur, non-commercial publication made by enthusiasts.