#fancier

while the word has now been reduced to a synonym of “audience,” it might not hurt to look at related words and at least a few possible origins of the word “fan.” Perhaps recall that it’s often linked to “fanatic,” and fanatic is a touch more intense than “devotee,” “enthusiast,” or “admirer.”

I’m not suggesting that this word be contemplated to excuse bad behavior. It might, perhaps, help explain some of it, though.

Has the word fan moved past its likely origin? Of course.

Does it still hold within it some part of a group which is possessed by unreasoning zeal?

Oh, I suppose.

[from first link, two words given as possible origins of and related to the word fan:

Fanatic

1520s, "insane person," from Latin fanaticus "mad, enthusiastic, inspired by a god," also "furious, mad," originally, "pertaining to a temple," from fanum "temple, shrine, consecrated place," related to festus "festive" (see feast (n.)). Meaning "zealous person, person affected by enthusiasm" is from 1640s. As an adjective, in English, 1530s, "furious;" meaning "characterized by excessive enthusiasm," especially in religion (of Nonconformists), is from 1640s.

Fancy

mid-15c., fantsy "inclination, liking," contraction of fantasy. It took the older and longer word's sense of "inclination, whim, desire." Meaning "the productive imagination" is from 1580s. That of "a fanciful image or conception" is from 1660s. Meaning "fans of an amusement or sport, collectively" is attested by 1735, especially (though not originally) of the prize ring. The adjective is recorded from 1751 in the sense "fine, elegant, ornamental" (opposed to plain); later as "involving fancy, of a fanciful nature" (1800). Fancy man attested by 1811.

scribbly juniper sketch . aka me spreading my she/they juniper agenda