OTP is an abbreviation meaning "one true pair/pairing."
In the realm of fandom and internet culture, an OTP refers to a fan's favorite or most cherished romantic pairing within a fictional work (like a book, movie, TV show, anime, etc.) or, less commonly, among real people (often celebrities). It signifies the couple that the fan wholeheartedly supports and believes is destined to be together, regardless of canon status or likelihood.
The term carries a strong emotional investment. An OTP isn't just a couple someone "likes"; it's the couple they passionately champion above all others. Fans might create fanfiction, fanart, videos, or engage in discussions online to express their love for their OTP.
Key Aspects of an OTP:
- Emotional Investment: Goes beyond simply liking a couple; it's a strong desire for their romantic success.
- Subjectivity: An OTP is entirely subjective. Different fans will have different OTPs based on their preferences.
- Beyond Canon: The OTP might be canon (officially acknowledged in the original work), but often it is not. Fans may ship a couple who are rivals, friends, or even have never interacted in the source material.
- Fandom Engagement: Often fuels creative works and discussions within fandom communities.
Example:
In the "Harry Potter" series, some fans might consider Harry and Hermione their OTP, even though the canon pairing is Harry and Ginny. They believe Harry and Hermione have a deeper connection and are more suited for each other.
