When someone is an asshole enough to tell you that you don't have enough qualities to like what you want to like or be what you want to be, solely based on their opinions and experiences, even if they don't know as much about what said person aspires to like / be.
Person 1: I really like (insert band/artist here)
Person 2: Ok name every song, even the unreleased ones, how many words are in each song, and recite them word for word.
Person 1: um..
Person Two: FAKE FAN. You don't like them.

If you didn't pick up on this, Person 2 is a Gatekeeper
by Ikindofhatemyself December 30, 2021
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1) One who devalues other’s opinions on something by claiming they’re not entitled to the opinion because they’re not qualified, the rightful decision-maker, a part of a particular group, etc.
2) One who denies parental rights by limiting the parent’s interactions or decisions with their own child.
Maria told Jeff he wasn’t allowed to be in Spanish Club because he wasnt a native speaker.

The mother was a gatekeeper when she told her ex husband he was not allowed to take their child to Disney World because she didn’t want him driving that far with her child. “I am the mother and I make the decisions. You are not taking my child that far away from me,” she exclaimed.
by Scrodom July 7, 2018
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When someone takes it upon themselves to decide who does or does not have access or rights to a community or identity.
"I love punk bands like Green Day!"
"Ugh, they're not even punk. They totally sold out."

"Oh man, I love Harry Potter. I am such a geek!"
"Hardly. Talk to me when you're into theoretical physics."

"Erika Moen is my favorite queer cartoonist."
"She's not queer, she married a man!"
"Quit your gatekeeping. No one died and made you Queen of the Gays!"
by sarahalyse March 3, 2012
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Gatekeeping is to make your interests exclusive in order to protect them from becomingmainstream
Gaslight, Gatekeeping, Girlboss
by Suzanne Keller January 13, 2022
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A word used to describe when someone sets a standard/limit on what someone must do to call themselves a 'true fan' of something/someone.
Joe: So what TV shows do you like?
Erin: Well, I'm a huge fan of Doctor Who. I also...
Joe: Doctor Who? I LOVE that show. When did you start watching.
Erin: Back in 2005 when the show was restarted.
Joe: Ah, you see, I was watching the classic series long before then. You can't really call yourself a true fan.

Erin: But I have a ton of the merchandise, and I've met David Tennant...
Joe: Oh, you're a fan definitely but not a proper fan. We've been there since long before the BBC revived the show.
Ted: Dude, stop gatekeeping the show. A fan is a fan. You don't need to set a standard.
by WatcherMark October 27, 2018
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When someone uses a hobby or interest as a means of elevating themselves above others to give oneself a sense of being superior transforming their passion or knowledge about a particular subject into an ugly tool of self-inflation.
-GoodGuyFitz 2019
Eric Vivian Mathews is gatekeeping all the time.
by TOLOLOLOLOLO August 9, 2019
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