The term "badfic" is commonly used in fanfiction communities to describe poorly written or unenjoyable fanfiction. The word is spelled with the phonetic transcription /ˈbædfɪk/. The first syllable is pronounced like "bad" with a short "a" sound, while the second syllable is pronounced like "fic" with a short "i" sound. The suffix "-fic" is often used in fanfiction to indicate that it is a work of fiction. The word "badfic" is a simple and straightforward way to describe fanfiction that is of low quality.
Badfic refers to a type of literature, mainly found in the fan fiction realm, that is regarded as extremely low in quality. The term "badfic" is a concatenation of "bad fiction," highlighting its lack of literary merit. It encompasses a broad range of writing characterized by poor grammar, excessive punctuation errors, weak plotlines, shallow character development, and unrealistic or inconsistent scenarios. The primary purpose of a badfic is often self-indulgence for the author, disregarding the essence of an engaging story.
In badfic, one may encounter numerous clichés, such as Mary Sues or Gary Stus (idealized and often unreasonably perfect characters), improbable romantic relationships, out-of-character behavior by established characters, and unrealistic resolutions to conflicts. These stories commonly prioritize wish fulfillment and often deviate from the canon of the original work upon which they are based.
Badfic can evoke a mix of amusement and frustration in readers, often serving as a source of entertainment and mockery within fandom communities. Many readers indulge in "badfic readings" where they gather to share and collectively critique these poorly written stories.
Despite being often ridiculed, badfic can provide a unique and fascinating insight into the creative process and the various interpretations fans can have of beloved characters and universes. While it may lack in literary quality, badfic remains an integral part of fanfiction culture, showcasing both the writers' passion and the diverse perspectives within fandoms.
The word "badfic" is a blend of two words: "bad" and "fanfiction".
"Bad" has its origins in Old English, where it was spelled as "baed". Over time, it evolved and retained its negative connotation to describe something of low quality, unfavorable, or not good.
"Fanfiction" refers to fictional stories or works written by fans of a particular book, movie, or TV series, based on the existing characters or settings. The term originated in the early 20th century.
The term "badfic" emerged from the fanfiction community, primarily online, where it is used to describe poorly written or low-quality fanfiction. The combination of "bad" with "fic" (short for fanfiction) accurately conveys the negative or substandard nature of such work.