headcanon

Meaning

In fandom culture, 'headcanon' refers to a fan's personal, unofficial interpretation of a fictional universe, character backstory, or relationship that is not explicitly confirmed by the official creator (the 'canon'). It is used casually online when discussing books, movies, TV shows, and video games. The tone is creative, collaborative, and often passionate.

Examples

• In my headcanon, the two main characters eventually got married and moved to a quiet countryside cottage.

  In my headcanon, the two main characters eventually got married and moved to a quiet countryside cottage.

• The director didn't explain his backstory, so the fans created their own headcanon to fill in the gaps.

  The director didn't explain his backstory, so the fans created their own headcanon to fill in the gaps.

• I know it's not official, but it's my personal headcanon that he was actually a secret agent the whole time.

  I know it's not official, but it's my personal headcanon that he was actually a secret agent the whole time.

• Her headcanon about the villain's childhood makes so much sense that I've adopted it as my own.

  Her headcanon about the villain's childhood makes so much sense that I've adopted it as my own.

• Fandom forums are full of wild headcanons that often make the story more interesting than the actual show.

  Fandom forums are full of wild headcanons that often make the story more interesting than the actual show.

Common Mistakes

• ✗ The author wrote a new book, which is my headcanon.

  ✓ The author wrote a new book, which is now official canon.

  If the creator writes it, it is 'canon' (official). 'Headcanon' only exists in the fan's head or imagination.

• ✗ I fired a headcanon at the enemy ship.

  ✓ I fired a cannon at the enemy ship.

  Do not confuse 'canon' (official story/rules) with 'cannon' (the weapon), although they sound identical. 'Headcanon' is purely psychological.

Related Expressions

Practice

• The series ended on a cliffhanger, leaving fans to develop their own ___ about what happened next.

  💡 Personal, unofficial story interpretation

  Show answer

  headcanon

• It's my ___ that the mentor character survived the explosion and went into hiding.

  💡 An idea about a story that isn't officially confirmed

  Show answer

  headcanon