stan
/stæn/ IELTSAcademic
noun
A very enthusiastic fan of a person, group, or thing, especially a celebrity or artist. It is often used online and in pop culture.
- She's a stan of that singer.
- The movie has many stans online.
verb
To support or admire someone or something very strongly, especially online. It can also mean to be an intense fan of them.
- I stan her new album.
- They stan the team after every win.
Adinary Nuance
Stan is stronger and more internet-focused than fan. A fan likes or supports something, but a stan shows intense, very public support. It can sound playful, but sometimes it suggests obsession if used too strongly.
In other languages
- Vietnamese
- người hâm mộ cuồng
- Spanish
- fan acérrimo
- Chinese
- 狂热粉丝
- Japanese
- 熱狂的ファン
- Korean
- 열성팬
Etymology
Stan became popular in the early 2000s from Eminem's song 'Stan', about an obsessed fan. It later changed into a common internet word for a big fan or strong supporter.
Common phrases
stan culturestan accountstan someone hardbig stan
Synonyms
Related words
Frequently asked questions
- Is 'stan' formal or informal?
- It is informal. People mostly use it online, in texting, and in pop culture.
- What is the difference between 'stan' and 'fan'?
- A fan likes something. A stan likes it much more strongly and actively supports it.
- Can I use 'stan' in business writing?
- Usually no. It sounds too casual for business or academic writing.
- Is 'stan' only a noun?
- No. It is also a verb, as in 'I stan her work'.