Steampunk is a subgenre of speculative fiction, usually set in an anachronistic Victorian or quasi-Victorian alternate history setting. It could be described by the slogan "What the past would look like if the future had happened sooner." It includes fiction with science fiction, fantasy or horror themes.


Medieval Steampunk: Speculative fiction set during the Middle Ages.

Victorian Steampunk: A modern Science Fiction work (post-1930s) that is set in the early parts of the industrial revolution.

Western Steampunk: Science fiction set in the American Old West.

Industrial/Modern Steampunk: Science fiction taking place in the late industrial age, early modern age; i.e. World War 1, World War 2

A type of subculture that mixes the clothing styles of past generations (such as the Victorian era) with modern conveniences, creating inventions that look as if they could have been created generations ago. For instance, a gameboy would be powered by steam and contain clockwork parts rather than silicon and electrical wiring. This "mad-scientist" culture is based on works by such authors as Jules Verne and H.G. Wells. Related to the Punk subculture by the "Do-It-Yourself" attitude, though many steampunks will buy ready made materials and customize them. The entire subculture is based on mostly on aesthetics, though functionality is highly prized as well.

Directly from Wikipedia:

Steampunk is a subgenre of fantasy and speculative fiction that came into prominence in the 1980s and early 1990s. The term denotes works set in an era or world where STEAM POWER is still widely used—usually the 19th century, and often set in Victorian era England—but with prominent elements of either science fiction or fantasy, such as fictional technological inventions like those found in the works of H. G. Wells and Jules Verne, or real technological developments like the computer occurring at an earlier date. Other examples of steampunk contain alternate history-style presentations of "the path not taken" of such technology as dirigibles or analog computers; these frequently are presented in an idealized light, or a presumption of functionality. Also see Robert Sandberg's work.

A lifestyle choice, wherein the participants embrace deliberate anachronism and quasi-anachronism as seen in steampunk fiction. Often characterized by modifying one's electronic gadgets to make them look a century out-of-date.

A former goth who suddenly discovered the color brown.

A delayed afterbirth of all the lame subcultures spawned in the 1990's, because everything has to evolve into a trend and everyone needs to feel they can wholeheartedly ascribe to something.

Subgenre of "punk" fashion using style combinations from Victorian era England and the Industrial Revolution. Different from grunge, hobo, cyberpunk, hippie, or dirty punk.

(credited directly from Glenn Hetrick from Face Off 8x13)
The combination of two tlements:
Victorian or Edwardian fashion sense
Antediluvian technology

Another explanation (can't remember source, but also from Face Off) is:
High technology with a much slower energy source

A group of 40 something virgins that seriously need to get over themselves - They ponce around with cogs, plastic guns and "rocket powered" roller skates, desperately craving the tiniest morsel of attention from anybody who will even catch them in the corner of their (non-mechanical) eye. It would be SLIGHTLY impressive (but still ridiculously pointless) if their clockwork gadgets ACTUALLY did something. But, alas, all they are managing to achieve is a BAD rip-off of the bad guys from the 'Wild Wild West' movie...on behalf of Kenneth Branagh: "CRINGE". Why don't they put their pretentious, role play, egocentric (and obviously jobless) days into doing something constructive? If they are going to continue to manufacture corrigated cardboard machine outfits, at least, MAKE SURE THEY FUNCTION!!! Wearing monacles, top-hats, badly tailored suits, penny whistles sprayed silver, pocket watches and faux rocket-packs - labelling themselves as "STEAM PUNKS" DOES NOT MAKE THEM INDIVIDUAL (Although the steam and punks are yet to be seen, unless badly accessorised Victorian Geography teacher encapsulates that description?) They have established themselves as the latest brigade of complete and utter self-indulgent tools to disgrace the music scene and need to get a grip.