What are the different types of ships in fanfic?

Sailing the Seas of Ships: Navigating Romantic Pairings in Fanfiction

Fanfiction thrives on exploring the “what ifs” of fictional worlds, and one of the most popular avenues for this exploration is through “shipping.” Shipping, short for “relationshipping,” refers to the desire to see two characters in a romantic relationship, regardless of whether that relationship is canon (officially established in the source material) or not. These desired pairings are called “ships,” and the fanfiction community has developed a rich vocabulary for categorizing the different types of ships that sail its fictional seas.

While the possibilities are endless and often highly specific to individual fandoms, some broad categories help navigate the vast ocean of ships:

• Het: This is short for heterosexual, and refers to pairings between a male and a female character. Het ships are often the most common, especially in fandoms based on source material that primarily focuses on heterosexual relationships.

• Slash: This term refers to romantic pairings between two male characters. The term “slash” originates from the punctuation mark used to separate the names of the two characters in early fanfiction (e.g., Kirk/Spock). Slash fiction has a long and rich history within fandom and continues to be a popular category.

• Femslash: Mirroring slash, femslash denotes romantic pairings between two female characters. This category has seen a significant rise in popularity in recent years as more female characters and relationships are explored in media.

• Non-Binary Ships: As representation of non-binary genders expands, so too does the inclusion of non-binary characters in fanfiction. These ships can encompass relationships between non-binary characters and those of other genders, creating a more inclusive and diverse landscape of romantic possibilities. The specific terminology used can vary, often referencing the specific gender identities of the characters involved.

• Polyamorous Ships: These ships involve romantic relationships between three or more individuals. They can encompass various combinations of genders and sexual orientations and often explore complex dynamics and interconnected relationships. Polyamorous ships are increasingly gaining visibility and acceptance within fanfiction communities.

Beyond these broad categories, fandoms often develop their own unique ship names, combining the names of the characters involved (e.g., “Dramione” for Draco and Hermione from Harry Potter). These ship names become a shorthand within the fandom, fostering a sense of community and shared understanding.

Understanding these different ship categories allows for easier navigation through the world of fanfiction. It enables readers to find stories that align with their interests and allows writers to clearly label their work, fostering a richer and more organized fan experience. Ultimately, ships are a testament to the power of fanfiction – they celebrate creativity, community, and the endless possibilities of exploring fictional relationships.