anti-shipper
|an-ti-ship-per|
🇺🇸
/ˌæn.tiˈʃɪp.ɚ/
🇬🇧
/ˌæn.tiˈʃɪp.ə/
against a pairing
Etymology
'anti-shipper' originates from Greek and English: specifically the prefix 'anti-' (from Greek 'anti') meaning 'against', combined with English 'shipper' (from 'ship', short for 'relationship', plus agent suffix '-er').
'anti-shipper' was formed in online fandoms by attaching 'anti-' to 'shipper' (itself derived from 'ship' meaning 'relationship' in fandom slang). The element 'ship' comes from shortening 'relationship' (modern English slang usage), and 'shipper' (someone who supports a ship) produced the opposing form 'anti-shipper' in late 20th/early 21st century internet usage.
Initially it simply meant 'a person against a particular fictional pairing'; over time it has broadened to include more active behaviors (public criticism, organizing against a ship) and sometimes carries stronger social connotations (e.g., perceived hostility or gatekeeping).
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
a person in a fandom who opposes or rejects a particular romantic pairing (a 'ship') between characters; often argues against or criticizes that pairing.
She's an anti-shipper when it comes to that couple and often points out why they wouldn't work.
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Adjective 1
describing a stance, comment, or behavior that opposes a particular ship (e.g., 'an anti-shipper stance').
He made an anti-shipper comment about the fandom's favorite pairing.
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Last updated: 2025/11/22 06:00