a word used by antis and gatekeepers in fandom to describe a fictional pairing (or even just a character) that they do not personally like. often used as an excuse to attack and gaslight shippers (people who do like the paring) and other fans.
some reasons for things being "problematic" are that they are considered abusive, the characters are/were enemies, one is a villain, there is a large age gap, there is a small age gap, the
relationship is incestuous, the
relationship *seems* incestuous, one character is a minor, both characters are minors, the anti does not like the ship personally, the
relationship is gay and loved by women fans, the relationship is straight...the list goes on.
Anti: "you shouldn't ship reylo, it's very problematic."
Shipper: "i really shouldn't
indulge you, but how?"
Anti: "it's abusive because they're enemies and
kylo ren is a
fascist. also rey is child-coded and they are cousins."
Shipper: "uh...what?"
