English

Phrase

fans are slans

1. (dated, fandom slang) Science fiction fans are more intelligent and more creative than other people.
   • 1950 March, F. Towner Laney, “Fanzine Scope”, in Spacewarp, number 36, page 10–17:

     Under the title "Stfans -- Race of the Future", Joquel dissects the "fans are slans" theme which back in 1941 was being considered with a surprising amount of seriousness, and comes up with the obvious conclusion of phooey.

   • 1959, Eney, Richard "Dick" Harris, Fancyclopedia II:

     FANS ARE SLANS Literally understood, "fans are superman mutants" -- or, at least, "fans are smarter than most people" -- but actual semantic content is according to the mood and attitude of the user.

   • 2000 April 27, Pete McCutchen, “Re: Mr. Ordover, I disagree”, in rec.arts.sf.written, Usenet, message-ID <4uvggsgbbt3gsqrobf2o1prj0offlhpuch@4ax.com>:

     "Fans are slans" is a way of saying that we're smarter than other people. (Which is true, actually, but rather impolite to bring up in mixed company.)

   • 2003 November 8, Danny Low, “Re: Mundanes' secret weapon?”, in rec.arts.sf.fandom, Usenet, message-ID <okbrqvghahmsaoc59jmjotlk60807s92i6@4ax.com>:

     Fanish culture is very tribal in nature and overly concerned with superiority as fans are slans.