0608 To stan - English Idioms

Explanation

To be an overly enthusiastic, devoted, and sometimes obsessive fan of a particular celebrity, musician, group, character, or even object/concept.
Can range from genuine, strong admiration to unhealthy obsession, depending on context. Often implies active participation in the fandom (e.g., defending the idol online, creating fan content).

Origin

Coined from the 2000 song Stan by American rapper Eminem.
The song tells the story of an obsessive fan named Stan who becomes dangerously fixated on Eminem, writing increasingly unhinged letters and ultimately driving off a bridge with his pregnant girlfriend in the trunk after feeling ignored by his idol.
The term stan (as both a noun for the obsessive fan and a verb for the act of being one) was adopted by online fan communities, initially sometimes self-deprecatingly, but often now used more positively to simply mean being a huge fan.

Alternatives

Slang/Informal:

To simp for (Often used online, implies excessive devotion, sometimes with negative connotation of doing too much for someone you admire, especially romantically, without reciprocation. Can overlap with 'stan' but often has a more pathetic/negative shade).
To be ride or die for (Expressing extreme loyalty)
To be whipped for (Usually romantic, implies being under someone's spell)

Milder/Standard:

To admire greatly.
To be a big supporter of.
To really appreciate.

Situational Appropriateness

Informal slang.
Common in online fan communities, social media, and casual conversations, especially among younger people.
Avoid in formal settings unless discussing pop culture or fandom academically. Using it inappropriately might sound juvenile or out of place.

Misunderstanding Warnings

Someone unfamiliar with the term's origin might not grasp the potential undertone of obsession derived from the Eminem song, using/interpreting it only as big fan.
Conversely, someone only familiar with the negative origin might misinterpret positive uses of stan as implying unhealthy obsession. Context is crucial.

Examples

I seriously stan Taylor Swift; her songwriting is incredible. (Positive admiration)
He's a huge Marvel stan; he knows every detail about the MCU. (Enthusiastic fan)
Some BTS stans can be really intense online when defending the group. (Referring to potentially excessive behavior)
We stan a queen/king. (Common online phrase expressing strong approval or admiration for someone's actions or attitude)

Dialogue

Person A: Did you see Zendaya's outfit at the premiere last night?

Person B: Oh my god, yes! She looked incredible. I swear, I stan her so hard.

Person A: Right? Her fashion sense is always on point. We stan a style icon!

Person B: Totally. No cap.

Response Patterns

Agreement: Me too! She's amazing. / Yeah, they're the best.
Sharing fandom: Oh, you're a stan too? What's your favorite album/movie?
Mild disagreement/alternative: I like them, but I wouldn't say I stan them.
Sometimes caution if the context implies excessive behavior: Okay, but don't get too carried away.

Common Follow-up Questions/Actions

After someone says they stan someone/something:

Ask why: What do you like so much about them?
Share your own opinion: Oh cool, I prefer [alternative] myself.
Connect over shared fandom: Have you seen their latest video/post?

Conversation Starter

Yes, can be used to express enthusiasm and potentially start a conversation about shared interests. Who do you stan in the music world right now?

Intonation

Usually said with enthusiasm or strong conviction.
Emphasis on stan. I STAN her. / We STAN.

Generation Differences

Most common among Millennials and Gen Z who grew up with internet fan culture. Older generations are less likely to use the term, though they might understand it due to its media presence.

Regional Variations

Widely understood in online English globally due to the influence of internet culture and hip-hop.

Cap / No cap

🎲 Cancel culture

[0608] To stan