What does Shipping mean?
Wanting two characters to be in a relationship
Detailed Explanation
In fan culture, 'shipping' is the act of wanting two or more characters (from a TV show, movie, book, etc.) to enter into a romantic relationship. A 'ship' is the pairing itself. Fans who 'ship' these characters will often create fan fiction, art, and discussions centered around this desired relationship, regardless of whether it is canon (official) in the source material.
Usage Examples
“I've been shipping these two characters since the first season.”
“My main ship in that series is finally getting together!”
“Don't insult my ship, I think they would be perfect for each other.”
Origin & History
The term is a shortening of 'relationship.' It originated in the 1990s within the 'X-Files' fan community, where 'relationshippers' were fans who wanted the main characters, Mulder and Scully, to get together. The practice became a cornerstone of online fan culture.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you ship real people?
Yes, this is known as RPF (Real Person Fiction). However, shipping real people, especially without their consent, is a controversial practice and is considered invasive and uncomfortable by many.