noncanoncompliant

Noncanoncompliant is a term used in fan communities to describe media, narratives, or interpretations that do not adhere to the official canon of a fictional universe. It is commonly applied to fan fiction, fan art, videos, and discussions that deliberately diverge from established events, rules, or character traits.

Origin and usage: The word is a compound neologism derived from non-canon and compliant, used informally to emphasize non-adherence to canonical source material. It is not an official label, and its precise meaning can vary by community. Some users treat it as a clear, binary distinction between works that follow canon and those that do not; others use it more loosely to indicate significant departures from canonical continuity.

Contexts and implications: Noncanoncompliant works may explore alternate storylines, revised character interpretations, or what-if scenarios without regard to canonical continuity. They can facilitate experimentation, humor, or critique, and are often contrasted with canon-accurate or canon-divergent pieces that still strive to remain within some understood rules. The term is frequently discussed alongside related concepts such as fanon, canon, and alternate universes (AU), each carrying its own expectations and boundaries.

Examples: A fanfic that rewrites the pivotal outcome of a series would typically be described as noncanoncompliant if it contradicts canonical events. Retcons that alter a character’s age, powers, or relationships, or crossovers that ignore universe-specific rules, may also be labeled noncanoncompliant depending on the community’s usage.

See also: canon, non-canon, canon-accurate, fanon, alternate universe.