skub

Skub is a fictional term used in science fiction and online communities to denote an unspecified object, resource, or currency within imagined economies. It has no single, canonical definition, and its meaning varies across works and discussions.

In speculative fiction, skub is often described as a scarce or coveted commodity. Depending on the narrative, it may be a physical mineral with special properties, a digital token representing value, or a tradable good that drives commerce among characters. The concept is commonly employed to explore themes of scarcity, exchange, and power dynamics in a closed system.

In fan and internet culture, skub is sometimes used as a placeholder or meme, functioning much like a macguffin or a generic unit of value. Writers and players may invent their own rules for how skub operates, which contributes to the term’s flexibility and ambiguity.

Etymology and usage: Skub is a nonce word—constructed for fictional purposes rather than deriving from a known language. Its popularity stems from its short, distinctive phonetics and its adaptability to various genres.

See also: MacGuffin, placeholder name, fictional currency, fictional resource.