Subtext

Synonyms:
See also:	Slashy, Shippy, Slash Goggles, Hoyay!, Slashnip
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Subtext is content in canon (or, sometimes, fanworks) that is inferred by the audience without being explicitly stated. In fan discussions, subtext most commonly refers to canon that is felt to imply a romantic relationship or UST between two characters, or to hint at a character's sexual orientation.

Subtext does not necessarily have to be deliberate on the part of the author, and debates over whether the author's intention is relevant to whether certain subtext exists in canon are common.

In Xena fandom subtext refers to the Xena/Gabrielle subtext on the show. A subtexter is someone who is a fan of lesbian subtext and references to subtext links, subtext fanfiction, subtext virtual seasons, etc. are referring to a lesbian interpretation of the source.

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• Why Subtext is Better than Text by Janis C.