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/ˈkanən/
(canonical, canonically, canons)
NOUN

A word to describe something that is true to the original story.

Things considered “canon” are basically considered “true” (in the story).

-Similar Words:
Not Canon; Something that isn’t true to the original story.
Head-Canon; Usually used when someone creates their own AU (Alternate Universe), and adds their own “canon” part in their story.

Usually describes fiction.
Often confused with “cannon”.

Can be used in sentences as;
“George was not a canon character is the series, but they used it in their AU, regardless.”

“My AU was not canon to the original plot in the movie, but I think people will like this spin on the story.”

“They had made their own head-canon, where Lucy had survived the explosion.”
Canon by EggyYolkZ October 15, 2021
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Canon Compliant 

A term used to describe a fanfiction's relationship to canon. It is used for fanfictions that are not set in an alternate universe (AU), meaning that the author made an effort to not contradict the canon setting, plot development, characters, etc.
Fangirl 1: I read this great fanfiction over the weekend
Fangirl 2: Was it canon compliant?
Fangirl 1: Yeah, it had all the same characters and plot details as the show!
Canon Compliant by strawbfairy March 8, 2017

Canon event 

The definition comes from the movie (Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse) it is an inevitable event or action good or bad that is supposed to happen that results your future self.
for example a Canon event can be the the time where peter parker became Spider-man because he got bit by a mutated spider and that his uncle got murdered by a burglar which in result made him want to do justice and become a superhero
Canon event by KingMorales June 6, 2023

Oc x Canon 

Oc x canon is when you like the idea of you oc(original character) with a character that is in a show, book or game. A lot of people hate oc x canon but if someone does it you should let them do it, there is no reason to attack people that might ship there oc with a character they like. It's just something that people like to do.
Person 1: would you like to see my oc x canon drawing?
Person 2: sure!
Oc x Canon by EvilAvocado873 February 12, 2020

Every Kel meme is canon.

An inside joke from the Omori fanbase. Kel is someone who is energetic and kind. It's easy to imagine him being anywhere doing anything. To the Omori fandom, putting Kel in your post automatically makes it canon to the game.
An inside joke from the Omori fanbase. Kel is someone who is energetic and kind. It's easy to imagine him being anywhere doing anything. To the Omori fandom, putting Kel in your post automatically makes it canon to the game.

Every Kel meme is canon.

Canonically 

Relating to a canon. The word is mostly used in fan fiction to describe a piece of information as official.
Canonically, the Among Us impostors are an alien species that can shapeshift.
Canonically by Slymeball January 25, 2021

post canon 

Used mostly by fanfic writers, post canon describes a storyline that continues on after the original plot finishes.
post canon by Stately dancer November 26, 2019