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What is blorbo?

Published in Fandom Terminology 2 mins read

Blorbo, particularly "blorbo from my shows," is a term used within fandoms, primarily on Tumblr, to refer to a user's favorite character or celebrity. It's often used in posts expressing fondness or association with that person.

Origin and Usage

The term "blorbo" originated on Tumblr and serves a dual purpose:

  • Affectionate Endearment: It's a lighthearted way to express enthusiasm for a beloved character, celebrity, or fictional entity. Users might tag posts with "blorbo" when something reminds them of their favorite.
  • Self-Aware Parody: It's also used to playfully mock the tendency within fandoms to obsess over particular characters, sometimes to the point of derailing unrelated discussions.

Characteristics of a Blorbo

While the specific qualities vary from person to person, "blorbos" often share a few common characteristics:

  • Personal Connection: They evoke a strong emotional response from the user.
  • Hyperfixation: The user may spend an inordinate amount of time thinking about or creating content related to the character.
  • Subjective Appeal: The reasons for liking a "blorbo" are often personal and may not be readily apparent to others.

Examples

Imagine a user constantly posting about a minor character from a fantasy novel, even in threads about unrelated topics. Other users might jokingly refer to that character as their "blorbo from my shows" to poke fun at their enthusiastic devotion. Alternatively, a user could genuinely use "blorbo" to express their deep affection for a complex and nuanced character from a TV show.

In essence, "blorbo" is a versatile term that encapsulates both genuine love and playful self-deprecation within fandom culture.