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Steampunk is a subgenre of fantasy and speculative fiction that came into prominence in the 1980s and early 1990s. The term denotes works set in an era or world where STEAM POWER is still widely used—usually the 19th century, and often set in Victorian era England—but with prominent elements of either science fiction or fantasy, such as fictional technological inventions like those found in the works of H. G. Wells and Jules Verne, or real technological developments like the computer occurring at an earlier date. Other examples of steampunk contain alternate history-style presentations of "the path not taken" of such technology as dirigibles or analog computers; these frequently are presented in an idealized light, or a presumption of functionality. Also see Robert Sandberg's work.
Steampunk is a subgenre of fantasy and speculative fiction that came into prominence in the 1980s and early 1990s. The term denotes works set in an era or world where STEAM POWER is still widely used—usually the 19th century, and often set in Victorian era England—but with prominent elements of either science fiction or fantasy, such as fictional technological inventions like those found in the works of H. G. Wells and Jules Verne, or real technological developments like the computer occurring at an earlier date. Other examples of steampunk contain alternate history-style presentations of "the path not taken" of such technology as dirigibles or analog computers; these frequently are presented in an idealized light, or a presumption of functionality. Also see Robert Sandberg's work.
Abney Park (album cover artwork) shows members dressed in steampunk outfits of the time. Also the Golden Compass book series by Philip Pullman, describes the use and interest of steampunk subculture. Also look at H. G. Wells's The Time Machine.
by alaska mermaid December 9, 2008
Get the steampunk mug.A lifestyle choice, wherein the participants embrace deliberate anachronism and quasi-anachronism as seen in steampunk fiction. Often characterized by modifying one's electronic gadgets to make them look a century out-of-date.
Not to be confused with Renaissance re-enactors, who claim to eschew technology entirely; steampunks love fiddly gears and shiny metal things.
by Danielle Green April 8, 2007
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Generally, one who seeks to emote or personify a member of the Steampunk Subculture. Although most real steampunks don't claim it as a lifestyle and more of a hobby or interest, a 'Trainwreck" as it were is simply a poser who will copy or rip off one of the more original members of this genre.
A trainwreck will most likely be an outsider, nerd, outcast, undesirable who for lack of any other originality will slowly research the hell out of steampunk and try to create a personality founded in Steampunk. Generally, an Airship captain, pirate, scientist, explorer or otherwise. Steampunk is NOT cosplay, and therefore more of an interest in the literary subculture than a way of living your life out through fantasy.
Although Steampunk is founded in Victorian clothing, a trainwreck will take aesthetics too far; claiming it as a lifestyle will most likely be an easy way to spot a poser. In many cases, said Trainwreck will try to create social groups with friends who would generally not be seen in public with them. Posers will secretly harbor jealousy, and envy of the more original members of this social group, often over compensating by becoming uber Steampunk, thus outing themselves as a nerd wanna be of the group.
A trainwreck will most likely be an outsider, nerd, outcast, undesirable who for lack of any other originality will slowly research the hell out of steampunk and try to create a personality founded in Steampunk. Generally, an Airship captain, pirate, scientist, explorer or otherwise. Steampunk is NOT cosplay, and therefore more of an interest in the literary subculture than a way of living your life out through fantasy.
Although Steampunk is founded in Victorian clothing, a trainwreck will take aesthetics too far; claiming it as a lifestyle will most likely be an easy way to spot a poser. In many cases, said Trainwreck will try to create social groups with friends who would generally not be seen in public with them. Posers will secretly harbor jealousy, and envy of the more original members of this social group, often over compensating by becoming uber Steampunk, thus outing themselves as a nerd wanna be of the group.
OMFG, He thinks he's an Airship captain?! Jesus he's even instructing others in the finer points of being a Steampunk! Jesus, doesn't he know he's a Steampunk Trainwreck?
by Capt. Leguminous Caligari December 29, 2009
Get the Steampunk Trainwreck mug.by Coolman244 January 20, 2020
Get the steampunkboyo mug.People who combine Anachronistic Vernian-esque cosplay and sub-culture with modern-day punk rock. Virtues include brass-studded jackets, copious amounts of clockwork gears, and a snotty attitude towards President Grant and HRM Queen Victoria.
We were hanging out at the bar when it got crashed by a gruesome lot of steampunx. They debated Emma Goldman's work and stunk the place up with their pipes, all while downing pitchers of Pabst beer claiming it had just won a blue ribbon this year at some beer festival.
by Anarchie Matthew July 14, 2011
Get the Steampunx mug.A steampunkist is an artist who creates steampunk themed items. (i.e. steampunk jewelry, decorations, etc) An example of a steampunk artist is Hiddendemon-666 on deviantART.com
Guy: Hey, I'm gonna check out the steampunkists art over there.
Girl: Omg, I love steampunk art! I have a steampunk watch!
Girl: Omg, I love steampunk art! I have a steampunk watch!
by TheImprobableOneGaberdeen November 12, 2012
Get the Steampunkist mug.by PHAIRLY PHUNNY PHILPIRLY September 21, 2017
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