1 definition by Emily Marten
A type of subculture that mixes the clothing styles of past generations (such as the Victorian era) with modern conveniences, creating inventions that look as if they could have been created generations ago. For instance, a gameboy would be powered by steam and contain clockwork parts rather than silicon and electrical wiring. This "mad-scientist" culture is based on works by such authors as Jules Verne and H.G. Wells. Related to the Punk subculture by the "Do-It-Yourself" attitude, though many steampunks will buy ready made materials and customize them. The entire subculture is based on mostly on aesthetics, though functionality is highly prized as well.
Person 1: "I love those goggles! They're so steampunk; where did you get them?"
Person 2: "I got the goggles at the hardware store and used the cogs from this old clock I had sitting around. The brass-coloured paint was sitting in the garage too."
Person 1: "Well, what was your inspiration?"
Person 2: "I was reading The Time Machine and watching Suckerpunch. I don't really know which it's supposed to be; I just thought it would look cool."
Person 2: "I got the goggles at the hardware store and used the cogs from this old clock I had sitting around. The brass-coloured paint was sitting in the garage too."
Person 1: "Well, what was your inspiration?"
Person 2: "I was reading The Time Machine and watching Suckerpunch. I don't really know which it's supposed to be; I just thought it would look cool."
by Emily Marten November 7, 2011