Stopship, a neologism derived from the fusion of the words "stop" and "ship," is an expression commonly used in online communities, particularly in the realm of fan fiction and shipping culture. The term refers to the act of advocating for the discontinuation or reevaluation of a romantic or sexual relationship between fictional characters, typically within a fictional universe, as depicted in a book, TV show, movie, or other forms of media.
The use of "stopship" is often associated with fans who express dissatisfaction or disagreement with a particular romantic pairing, urging fellow fans and the creators of the content to halt the progression of the relationship. This can stem from a wide range of reasons, including disapproval of the characters' compatibility, belief that the relationship goes against established canon or character development, or simply preferring another potential coupling.
The term "stopship" can manifest in various ways within fandoms, such as discussions on social media platforms, fan forums, or fan fiction stories that actively disregard or subvert the desired romantic pairing. It has become an integral part of fandom terminology, reflecting the passionate and often vociferous nature of fan engagement.
Although the concept of "stopship" primarily exists in the realm of fictional relationships, the term has also been occasionally employed to express opposition or critique of real-life celebrity relationships when fans perceive them as detrimental to the individuals involved or when it clashes with fans' constructed narratives revolving around those celebrities.
