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Ship

Definition

To support or imagine two people or characters as a romantic couple.

Example
I ship the two detectives because their chemistry carries the whole show.
How it is used

Ship functions as both a verb and a noun in fandom: fans ship a pairing, and the pairing itself can be called a ship.

Origin and context

Ship is shortened from relationship and grew in online fan communities, especially 1990s television fandom and later fanfiction culture.

Common variations

I ship it

A statement supporting the pairing.

ship name

A blended nickname for the two people.

crack ship

An unlikely or unconventional imagined pairing.

Frequently asked questions
Does shipping mean the couple is official?

No. Fans can ship people who are not canonically together.

Can you ship real people?

People do, though real-person shipping can cross boundaries and make those involved uncomfortable.

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Related terms

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Relationships

Shipping

The practice of supporting, discussing, or creating content about a desired romantic pairing.

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Relationships

OTP

An abbreviation for one true pairing: a fan’s favorite or ideal romantic couple.

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Relationships

Canon Couple

A romantic pairing officially established within a story rather than existing only in fan interpretation.

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