steampunk
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
steampunk
by alaska mermaid on Dec 05, 2008 16:25:45
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.
Example:
Abney Park (album cover artwork) shows members dressed in steampunk outfits of the time. Also
the Golden Compass book series by Philip Pullman, describes the use and interest of steampunk subculture. Also look at
H. G. Wells's The Time Machine.
steampunk
by Danielle Green on Apr 03, 2007 03:34:54
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electronic gadgets to make them look a century out-of-date.
Example:
Not to be confused with Renaissance re-enactors, who claim to
eschew technology entirely; steampunks love
fiddly gears and shiny metal things.
steampunk
by flannelation on Oct 24, 2010 08:54:19
Example:
Check out that steampunk dude with the robot
monocle and rocket-powered skateboard.
Whoa, I know him from high school. He used to paint his nails black and
rock out to
Skinny Puppy.
Steampunk
by Emily Marten on Nov 08, 2011 02:10:38
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.
Example:
Person 1: "I love those goggles! They're so
steampunk; where did you get them?"
Person 2: "I got
the goggles at the hardware store and used the cogs from this old clock I had sitting around. The brass-coloured paint was sitting in the garage too."
Person 1: "Well, what was your inspiration?"
Person 2: "I was reading The Time Machine and watching
Suckerpunch. I don't really know which it's supposed to be; I just thought it would look cool."
Steampunk
by Herr Terror on Mar 26, 2013 03:35:39
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.
Steampunk
by killermist on May 07, 2015 07:19:56
(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
Example:
So many Steampunk shows feel like
society has completely
fallen apart and is trying to
rebuild.