Fangirling 101

By Sarah McVeigh

I recently used the term “fangirling” and stopped myself mid-conversation to whip out my laptop. Sometimes, I still forget that I am important and have a sports column in the most successful newspaper in New York.

So anyway, I got to thinking … why does the term “fangirling” exist?

When I think of a fan, I immediately think of a member of the Buffalo Bills mafia: face-painted, drinking a frosted Labatt Blue in a blizzard, and jumping through tables. Or maybe the image of a Raider’s fan dressed head-to-toe in black, with a scary silver mask, in the 120-degree Las Vegas heat comes to mind. I can even hear the serenade of a grown man singing every word to “Sweet Caroline” after a Boston Red Sox win. (Don’t hate me, Yankee fans.)

Regardless, when I think of a true fan, I am almost always thinking of a MAN doing something ridiculous. However, when a girl does something like … oh, I don’t know … writes an article about Justin Fields, she is considered a fangirl.

What is the difference?! Now, I am not going to turn this article into something political. I don’t plan on talking about equality and going all “Lady Suffrage” on you. But it is an interesting debate.

For anyone who has never heard of the word, I am sorry that this article may be totally irrelevant for you.

The etymology of the word dates to the 1930s when A.P. Herbert wrote in his book, “Holy Deadlock,” to describe a woman obsessed with musicians. The definition of the word is “enthusiastic and often excessive behavior of a fan, especially a female fan, towards a celebrity, fictional character, or fandom.”

When you think of musicians and fangirling, the image of Beatlemania comes to mind and it does make sense. I once saw my mom cry because we gifted her a Herman’s Hermits record, so I guess the whole fangirling thing tracks. I mean, let’s not just skim over what the Swifties did for the Kansas City Chiefs’ fanbase — their apparel has never been so cute.

I guess my whole point is that being a supporter of a team, musician, or even a hobby is an incredible thing. You gain a community, and it gives you something to root for. Isn’t that what life is all about — the things that make you happy? For example, I have never been happier than when my Arizona State University Sun Devils won the Big 12 Football Championship this year. Being at that stadium with my family, watching our underdogs win the title game was a top moment for me.

But being called a fangirl just sounds so derogatory and negative to me. Dare I say we own the word? Life is short; like the team ya like, splurge for the good seats, wear the merch, and be a fangirl! Although, I do like to think us fangirls are a little classier than wearing a big cheese hat.