English · Slang Attested

fanwank

In real, traceable use. Part of the curated seed collection; community review is coming.

Sense 1

Meaning · English

Explanations invented by fans (of a film franchise, television series, etc.) to gloss over mistakes in continuity.

Where it’s used: Used American English

Examples

Its just fanwank with no support in the lore - and not even good fanwank. As you said yourself, Malal does not exist in 40k - and he's never existed. And no, that's not a joke in the vein of 'I've never seen a stealth aircraft' either.

Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-07-30)

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-07-30 via kaikki.org).

Sense 2

Meaning · English

Elements added to a television program or similar entertainment that appeal to avid fans but are of little interest to outsiders.

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-07-30 via kaikki.org).

Common questions

What does “fanwank” mean?

Explanations invented by fans (of a film franchise, television series, etc.) to gloss over mistakes in continuity.

Is “fanwank” formal or informal?

fanwank is generally derogatory, slang.