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Definitions by flintlocke314

Popularity Polynomial

This is when something which portrays itself as "cutting edge" becomes mainstream, but soon becomes overexposed, behind the times, old hat, or just plain uncool.
Due to the popularity polynomial Pokemon is back in style.

Cyclic Trope 

This is a trope that goes through a circular pattern of change, eventually returning to its original form after several iterations.

Most cycles are bipolar, though, oscillating back and forth between two opposites that mutually subvert (or invert) each other.
Cyclic tropes can often be applied to celebrity popularity.
Cyclic Trope by flintlocke314 September 11, 2018

Fleeting Demographic Rule 

1. A gimmick or storyline may be reused freely and safely after a few years of dormancy.

2. The unwritten rule that, after a given number of years, there has been enough turnover in the fanbase that a writer can re-use the same gimmicks and storylines with impunity.
The fleeting demographic rule allows YouTubers to reuse jokes and catchphrases after they have become repetitive.
Reframing past events to serve a current plot need.
A retcon is an instance of a hand wave.
Retcon by flintlocke314 September 11, 2018

Phlebotinum 

A versatile substance that may be applied to anything in order to cause an effect needed by a plot.
Kryptonite is considered a phlebotinum device as it is invariably used to paralyze Superman in DCU comic plots.
Phlebotinum by flintlocke314 September 11, 2018