Poll Time.

[metal_dog5]

In recent weeks, across a variety of fandoms, I've seen quite a number of references to characters being 'fridged'. In some instances I've not agreed with the OP about their use of the term. I am curious about what people think the term means, if it's changed since it was first used, or if some elements of fandom are misusing the word. This poll

Comments

[venivincere]

I… have never even heard of fridging. Would it be a lesser version of icing someone? i.e. Killing them? #puzzled

[metal_dog5]

The phrase '[character]'s been fridged' primarily has referred to a woman being killed or in fewer cases injured or depowered as a plot device in comics. The phrase itself was coined after an issue of Green Lantern had GL fiding the remains of his girlfriend in the fridge, and only because the villian left him a note saying he'd left something in there for him.

The term has been corrupted, imo, by some elements of fandom who use it as shorthand for any female character death.

[venivincere]

Aaaah! I was wondering about that. Thanks! :-D

[emeraldsword]

I really think there should have been a 'I have not heard of fridging' option. (I heard about it at a con, which is why I have not filled in that bit). I also think that the second option should have an option for 'not used in my fandoms'

I had it explained to me once at a con and I believe it comes from comic books. I wouldn't use it myself and I've never seen it used online to date.

[metal_dog5]

It does originate in comics fandom; an issue DC's Green Lantern was the cause of the phrase to be coined.

I consider you rather lucky that the term isn't in your fandoms, nor is it being misused as I've more frequently been seeing.

[metal_dog5]

It must be in certain fandoms only then. The term came from comics fandom but has since leeched over into some tv fandoms. The original meaning was for a female, with some connection to the hero, who had been killed (or in few instances injured or depowered) as a plot device.

In the last few months I've seen the phrase used to shorthand any female character death, regardless of why that particular character died.