Dekkarifiction

Dekkarifiction is a term sometimes used to describe a specific style of speculative fiction that often features bleak, dystopian, or post-apocalyptic settings. These narratives frequently explore themes of survival, societal collapse, and the darker aspects of human nature. The term itself is thought to derive from a portmanteau of "dystopian" and "fantastic," though its precise origin is not widely documented.

Common elements found within dekkarifiction include advanced but decaying technology, oppressive governmental or corporate control, and a sense of pervasive hopelessness. Characters often struggle against overwhelming odds, making difficult moral choices in environments where the established order has broken down or become tyrannical. The focus is less on heroic triumph and more on the grim realities of existence in such worlds.

While not a formally recognized genre with strict definitions, dekkarifiction is often associated with works that eschew optimistic outlooks. It can overlap with genres like cyberpunk, grimdark fantasy, and certain subgenres of science fiction. The appeal of this type of fiction often lies in its examination of societal anxieties and the resilience of the human spirit, even in the face of despair. The narratives can serve as cautionary tales or as explorations of the potential consequences of current societal trends.