materialfag

Materialfag is an internet slang term used in some online communities to label someone perceived as excessively fixated on materials or material science. The word fuses "material" with a widely recognized slur that targets LGBTQ+ people, making the term offensive and inappropriate in respectful discourse. Because of its derogatory origin, its use is condemned on most platforms and by many communities.

Usage and meaning vary, but the term is generally deployed as an insult or in-joke to mock someone for being overly obsessed with material properties, fabrication methods, or design materials rather than broader topics. It is not a formal term in any academic or professional field, and evidence of sustained usage is limited. It tends to appear in informal, sometimes hostile, online interactions within niches such as materials science discussions, maker communities, or design forums.

Reception and policy: Many online platforms prohibit hate speech or harassment, and terms that rely on slurs, including materialfag, are typically disallowed or hidden. Some communities may attempt to discourage its usage and provide alternative, neutral descriptors like “material-focused” or “material enthusiast” when precision is needed without insult.