Subject: SF Criticism

Terms used in the criticism or discussion of science fiction, e.g. names of genres or tropes.



Word Definition
utopian n. (No cites) one who conceives, proposes, or introduces schemes supposed or intended to bring about improved or perfect social and political conditions, etc.; an advocate of social reform
utopian adj. (1981) possessing or regarded as having impossibly or extravagantly ideal conditions in respect of politics, customs, social organization, etc.
Vernean adj. (1883) of, pertaining to, or characteristic of the science fiction of Jules Verne
-verse suffix (1985) (used to form nouns denoting the fictional universe used as the setting of a series (or occasionally a work), typically in combination with the title, main character, or creator of the series)
weird n. (1936) something that is weird adj.
weird adj. (1923) describing supernatural horror (often in weird fiction, weird story, etc.)
weirdist n. (1936) an author or fan of weird fiction
Wellsian n. (1914) a devotee or follower of H. G. Wells
Wellsian adj. (1895) of, pertaining to, or resembling the ideas and writings of H. G. Wells, esp. in his science fiction, social comment, etc.
worldbuilder n. (1892) a writer who engages in world-building n.
world-building n. (1920) the creation of fictional realms and their geology, geography, biology, etc., often including the history and culture of their inhabitants