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cyberpunk

cyberpunk

4 8.9
A kind of science fiction about a dark future with high technology and powerful groups controlling people
  • noun
  • /ˈsaɪbərˌpʌŋk/
  • Literature
: ciberpunk
  • cyberpunk authors

Sometimes mystery, sometimes things called cyberpunk and slipstream and the grim and the weird.

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Examples

  • A lot of the effective cyberpunk writing was very critical of American politics because it was basically Canadian.

  • But in cyberpunk, of course, this is kind of also connected to the idea that machines are essentially objects, not subjects.

  • In cyberpunk literature, the appeal of virtual worlds is often linked to a breakdown of real-world society.

    Academic text (1997)
  • The creators promise that "Cyberpunk 2077" will be true to the essence of the cyberpunk genre.

    Blog text (10)
  • William Gibson is regarded as the godfather of cyberpunk; other authors include John Brunner, Neal Stephenson, and Bruce Sterling.

    Academic text (1997)
  • Netflix's series Altered Carbon is a prime example of modern cyberpunk fiction with its dystopian themes and advanced technology.

  • The dark, gritty world of cyberpunk stories often features characters battling oppressive societal structures while navigating high-tech landscapes.

  • Writers like William Gibson have defined the cyberpunk genre by blending technology with societal critique in their narratives.

Surface Forms

cyberpunk singular
cyberpunks plural

Morphology

cyberpunk = cyber + punk (transparent) = cyber + punk

The compound combines 'cyber' (computer/tech-related) + 'punk' (rebellious subculture), yielding the expected meaning of fiction about tech-dominated rebellious subcultures.

Etymology

Cyberpunk joins cyber, meaning 'computers' or 'computer control', and punk, meaning 'rebel' or 'troublemaker'. So a cyberpunk story shows advanced technology, hackers, and harsh, unfair futures where outsiders fight powerful companies.