The Fan (aficionado) reference article from the English Wikipedia on 24-Jul-2004 (provided by Fixed Reference: snapshots of Wikipedia from wikipedia.org)

Fan (aficionado)

The term fan characterises one who has an intense, occasionally overwhelming and often irrational/uncritical admiration or like of a person, group of persons, work of art, idea, or trend. The word probably derives from the Latin fanaticus

Fans collectively may, especially if expressing interest in some organised or consistent manner, coalesce into fandom, be known as a fanbase or start a fan club, particularly when they are fans of music groups. Non-sports fans sometimes self-address as fen.

In a few cases, fans may become so obsessed with the (presumably human) objects of their infatuation that they become stalkers.

The fan (aficionado) should remain distinct from the air-movement device.

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