Changes

'''Alpha/Beta/Omega''', sometimes called '''Alpha/Omega''' or '''Omegaverse''', is a [[kink]] [[trope]] wherein some people have defined biological roles based on a [[Dominance Hierarchy|hierarchical system]]. The terms were borrowed from older behavior research on captive wolves that had been misappropriated by popular culture, but do not reflect current wolf behaviour research.<ref>[https://wolf.org/wolf-info/basic-wolf-info/biology-and-behavior] Basics of wolf biology and behavior.</ref> Fanworks using this trope may involve [[werewolf]], [[knotting]], or other animalistic elements, or the characters may be otherwise purely human.

'''Alpha/Beta/Omega''', sometimes called '''Alpha/Omega''' or '''Omegaverse''', is a [[kink]] [[trope]] wherein some people have defined biological roles based on a [[Dominance Hierarchy|hierarchical system]]. The terms were borrowed from older behavior research on captive wolves that had been misappropriated by popular culture, but do not reflect current wolf behaviour research.<ref>[https://wolf.org/wolf-info/basic-wolf-info/biology-and-behavior] Basics of wolf biology and behavior.</ref> Fanworks using this trope may involve [[werewolf]], [[knotting]], or other animalistic elements, or the characters may be otherwise purely human.

In casual discussion, the term has been abbreviated and lowercased as "a/b/o" or "abo". Many fans have advised others not to write the term without slashes because it is also an Australian slur for aboriginal people<ref>{{source| url= https://twitter.com/fairestcat/status/1264276111644557319 May 23, 2020 tweet | archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20230502102100/https://twitter.com/fairestcat/status/1264276111644557319 }}, by [[fairestcat]]</ref><ref>{{source| url= https://twitter.com/tomatocarnage/status/1264583900728180736 | title= tomatocarnage replying to fairestcat on twitter| archiveurl= https://web.archive.org/web/20230524141707/https://twitter.com/tomatocarnage/status/1264583900728180736 }}, May 24, 2020</ref><ref>{{source| url= https://twitter.com/lydia_petze/status/1264354720228864000 | title= lydia_petze replying to fairestcat on twitter | archiveurl= https://web.archive.org/web/20200524011311/https://twitter.com/lydia_petze/status/1264354720228864000}}, May 23, 2020</ref><ref>{{source| url=https://twitter.com/unhingedA03/status/1661242939560042496 | title=tweet by unhingedA03 | archiveurl= https://web.archive.org/web/20230524142256/https://twitter.com/unhingedA03/status/1661242939560042496 }}, May 24, 2023.</ref>, though the term without slashes is still in use as of 2023.<ref>{{source| url=https://twitter.com/search?q=abo%20fic&src=typed_query&f=live | title= abo fic | archiveurl=https://archive.ph/JrgxW}}, Twitter search, 24 May 2023.</ref>

In casual discussion, the term is often abbreviated and lowercased as "a/b/o" or "abo". Many fans have advised others not to write the term without slashes because it is also an Australian slur for aboriginal people<ref>{{source| url= https://twitter.com/fairestcat/status/1264276111644557319 May 23, 2020 tweet | archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20230502102100/https://twitter.com/fairestcat/status/1264276111644557319 }}, by [[fairestcat]]</ref><ref>{{source| url= https://twitter.com/tomatocarnage/status/1264583900728180736 | title= tomatocarnage replying to fairestcat on twitter| archiveurl= https://web.archive.org/web/20230524141707/https://twitter.com/tomatocarnage/status/1264583900728180736 }}, May 24, 2020</ref><ref>{{source| url= https://twitter.com/lydia_petze/status/1264354720228864000 | title= lydia_petze replying to fairestcat on twitter | archiveurl= https://web.archive.org/web/20200524011311/https://twitter.com/lydia_petze/status/1264354720228864000}}, May 23, 2020</ref><ref>{{source| url=https://twitter.com/unhingedA03/status/1661242939560042496 | title=tweet by unhingedA03 | archiveurl= https://web.archive.org/web/20230524142256/https://twitter.com/unhingedA03/status/1661242939560042496 }}, May 24, 2023.</ref>, though the term without slashes is still in use as of 2023.<ref>{{source| url=https://twitter.com/search?q=abo%20fic&src=typed_query&f=live | title= abo fic | archiveurl=https://archive.ph/JrgxW}}, Twitter search, 24 May 2023.</ref> Some Aboriginal fans have said that the abbreviation is offensive even with the slashes included.<ref>{{source| url=https://fail-fandomanon.dreamwidth.org/598363.html?thread=3665680219#cmt3665680219 | title= Re: AO3 & OTW | archiveurl= }}, [[fail_fandomanon]] thread, 2023-06-12.</ref>

==Basic Elements==

==Basic Elements==

[[Image:Tumblr_37323a8ac59b1eefbc694bc8ca3650e2_b00a9109_1280.png|thumb|This image from [[I Met You On LJ]]'s '#FicTropeFriday' shows the importance of pheromones to the A/B/O concept.]]

[[Image:Tumblr_37323a8ac59b1eefbc694bc8ca3650e2_b00a9109_1280.png|thumb|This image from [[I Met You On LJ]]'s '#FicTropeFriday' shows the importance of pheromones to the Omegaverse concept.]]

'''Alphas''' are the highest rank in the dominance hierarchy. In some stories, they may exhibit "dominant" behavior or have other temperamental quirks. They are able to impregnate Omegas. Male Alphas usually have a [[knotting|knot]] when aroused. In some works, female Alphas are also able to impregnate others; some will temporarily grow a penis to do so, or their vulva will permanently grow into one when they present.

'''Alphas''' are the highest rank in the dominance hierarchy. In some stories, they may exhibit "dominant" behavior or have other temperamental quirks. They are able to impregnate Omegas. Male Alphas usually have a [[knotting|knot]] when aroused. In some works, female Alphas are also able to impregnate others; some will temporarily grow a penis to do so, or their vulva will permanently grow into one when they present.

'''Betas''' are subordinate to Alphas in the dominance hierarchy, but this element is absent from a lot of A/B/O works in practice. Betas are often presented as having "normal" human anatomy, with none of the special attributes of Alphas or Omegas. They may be the peacemakers between Alphas and Omegas. Depending on the story they may be able to impregnate Omegas. In some fanworks Betas aren't present and the trope is known as Alpha/Omega; in others they take the role and functions of Omegas, and Omegas aren't present.

'''Betas''' are subordinate to Alphas in the dominance hierarchy, but this element is absent from a lot of fanworks in practice. Betas are often presented as having "normal" human anatomy, with none of the special attributes of Alphas or Omegas. They may be the peacemakers between Alphas and Omegas. Depending on the story they may be able to impregnate Omegas. In some fanworks Betas aren't present and the trope is known as Alpha/Omega; in others they take the role and functions of Omegas, and Omegas aren't present.

'''Omegas''' are the lowest rank in the dominance hierarchy. They can get pregnant and go into heat. Male Omegas are self-[[lubrication|lubricating]] and have the ability to become [[Mpreg|pregnant]], sometimes referred to as being bred or mated. Omegas are often portrayed as the most fragile of the hierarchy, with frailer bodies and painful presentations. Some fanworks may present male omegas as especially subject to fertility issues, miscarriages, and difficult pregnancies.  

'''Omegas''' are the lowest rank in the dominance hierarchy. They can get pregnant and go into heat. Male Omegas are self-[[lubrication|lubricating]] and have the ability to become [[Mpreg|pregnant]], sometimes referred to as being bred or mated. Omegas are often portrayed as the most fragile of the hierarchy, with frailer bodies and painful presentations. Some fanworks may present male omegas as especially subject to fertility issues, miscarriages, and difficult pregnancies.  

Most stories feature sex or romance between Alpha/Omega pairs, but subtropes for other combinations have also emerged: Alpha/Alpha, Beta/Beta, Omega/Omega, Alpha/Beta, and Beta/Omega.

Most stories feature sex or romance between Alpha/Omega pairs, but subtropes for other combinations have also emerged: Alpha/Alpha, Beta/Beta, Omega/Omega, Alpha/Beta, and Beta/Omega.

From these basic elements a wide variety of works can be constructed. A lot of the specific biological traits of alphas, betas, and omegas can be changed, elaborated on, or ignored. Some A/B/O works are straight-up porn, some explore [[social justice]] issues, some turn the trope [[trope inversion|on its head]] and makes alphas rather than omegas the disenfranchised group, etc. A/B/O is mainly known as a fic trope, but [[fanart]] is possible.<ref>For example, [http://diminuel.tumblr.com/post/66103792174/can-i-be-your-alpha-au-in-which-your-blood SPN digital art by diminuel] on tumblr (safe for work)</ref>

From these basic elements a wide variety of works can be constructed. A lot of the specific biological traits of alphas, betas, and omegas can be changed, elaborated on, or ignored. Some fanworks are straight-up porn, some explore [[social justice]] issues, some turn the trope [[trope inversion|on its head]] and makes alphas rather than omegas the disenfranchised group, etc. Omegaverse is mainly known as a fic trope, but [[fanart]] is possible.<ref>For example, [http://diminuel.tumblr.com/post/66103792174/can-i-be-your-alpha-au-in-which-your-blood SPN digital art by diminuel] on tumblr (safe for work)</ref>

==History==

==History==

Although [[#Similarities with Other Tropes|individual elements of the trope appeared much earlier]], Alpha/Beta/Omega originated in [[Supernatural]] fandom with a few very specific AU [[kink meme]] [[prompt]]s for the [[J2]] [[RPF]] [[ship]].  

Although [[#Similarities with Other Tropes|individual elements of the trope appeared much earlier]], Alpha/Beta/Omega originated in [[Supernatural]] fandom with a few very specific AU [[kink meme]] [[prompt]]s for the [[J2]] [[RPF]] [[ship]].  

The trope was a natural extension of [[SPN's]] popular [[werewolf]] and [[knotting]] kinks.<ref group="note">See [[The nonnies made them do it! (Fannish history. SPN. A/B/O)]]. [[netweight]]'s [http://netweight.dreamwidth.org/204361.html timeline] outlining the evolution of similar prompts that led to the invention of the A/B/O genre may also be helpful.</ref> The concept of going into heat may also have been influenced by [[Dark Angel]], where heat was [[canon]] and explored in the fic; there was likely overlap in the fandom due to [[Jensen Ackles]] being a cast member on both shows.  

The trope was a natural extension of [[SPN's]] popular [[werewolf]] and [[knotting]] kinks.<ref group="note">See [[The nonnies made them do it! (Fannish history. SPN. A/B/O)]]. [[netweight]]'s [http://netweight.dreamwidth.org/204361.html timeline] outlining the evolution of similar prompts that led to the invention of the Omegaverse genre may also be helpful.</ref> The concept of going into heat may also have been influenced by [[Dark Angel]], where heat was [[canon]] and explored in the fic; there was likely overlap in the fandom due to [[Jensen Ackles]] being a cast member on both shows.  

{{Quotation|Anyway, for a while there, these fics were called [[Knotting]] [[AUs]], which is how we know that Dark Angel was an influence, because there actually is a Blindfold fill where the author acknowledges that the '[[J2]], animal traits, knotting' fic they've written is a Dark Angel [[fusion]]."<ref name="ffanon"/>}}

{{Quotation|Anyway, for a while there, these fics were called [[Knotting]] [[AUs]], which is how we know that Dark Angel was an influence, because there actually is a Blindfold fill where the author acknowledges that the '[[J2]], animal traits, knotting' fic they've written is a Dark Angel [[fusion]]."<ref name="ffanon"/>}}

Another source of inspiration may have been the existence of [[bestiality]] fic featuring [[Jared Padalecki|one actor]]'s dogs. People wanted more knotting, but without the bestiality. The first A/B/O fic was posted to a livejournal community for bestiality, [[cfamiliaris]].

Another source of inspiration may have been the existence of [[bestiality]] fic featuring [[Jared Padalecki|one actor]]'s dogs. People wanted more knotting, but without the bestiality. The first Omegaverse fic was posted to a livejournal community for bestiality, [[cfamiliaris]].

The first kink meme prompt<ref name="ffanon">According to an anon on [[fail_fandomanon]]: [https://fail-fandomanon.dreamwidth.org/185139.html?thread=1008892979#cmt1008 2016-03-02 comment].</ref> was in May 2010 and has also been identified as the culprit responsible for the popularity of [[knotting]] in SPN fandom:

The first kink meme prompt<ref name="ffanon">According to an anon on [[fail_fandomanon]]: [https://fail-fandomanon.dreamwidth.org/185139.html?thread=1008892979#cmt1008 2016-03-02 comment].</ref> was in May 2010 and has also been identified as the culprit responsible for the popularity of [[knotting]] in SPN fandom:

==Trope Spread==

==Trope Spread==

The [[trope]] A/B/O spread so quickly through fandom culture beyond [[SPN]] and [[J2]], that by [[2013]] [[Kristina Busse]] publishes "[[Pon Farr]], [[Mpreg]], Bones and the rise of the [[Omegaverse]]"<ref>in [[Anne Jamison]]'s [[Fic: Why Fanfiction Is Taking Over the World]]. Full text: {{cite web | url = http://kristinabusse.com/pdf/Busse,%20Kristina%20-%20Pon%20Farr%20Mpreg,%20Bonds,%20and%20the%20Rise%20of%20the%20Omegaverse%20(in%20Fic%202013).pdf | title = Pon Farr: Mpreg, Bonds and the Rise of the omegaverse by Kristina Busse }}</ref>, in which she discusses the various fannish tropes that feed into omegaverse on world of fanfiction and consequently of literature.

The [[trope]] spread so quickly through fandom culture beyond [[SPN]] and [[J2]], that by [[2013]] [[Kristina Busse]] published "[[Pon Farr]], [[Mpreg]], Bones and the rise of the [[Omegaverse]]"<ref>in [[Anne Jamison]]'s [[Fic: Why Fanfiction Is Taking Over the World]]. Full text: {{cite web | url = http://kristinabusse.com/pdf/Busse,%20Kristina%20-%20Pon%20Farr%20Mpreg,%20Bonds,%20and%20the%20Rise%20of%20the%20Omegaverse%20(in%20Fic%202013).pdf | title = Pon Farr: Mpreg, Bonds and the Rise of the omegaverse by Kristina Busse }}</ref>, in which she discusses the various fannish tropes that feed into omegaverse on world of fanfiction and consequently of literature.

A/B/O has also spread into some [[original fiction]] and other media, such as the [http://www.comicbox.co.jp/omegaverse_project/ Omegaverse Project] series of [[doujin]] anthologies, which began in 2015 and is still ongoing, and [[BL game]] Omega Vampire. It became popular enough in romance fiction circles that in 2018 one author tried to claim that she had invented the [[het]] omegaverse subgenre, leading to the [[Omegaverse Litigation]].<ref group="note">For more context about this lawsuit, see [[No one owns a genre, least of all Omegaverse]]. Het is far less common in A/B/O, but has been around since the beginning of the genre; for example, see [https://archiveofourown.org/works/308260 All Ways] by [[netweight]] (Jensen Ackles/Danneel Harris, 2011-12-31), not to mention the het and femslash challenge [[A/B/O Femslash & Het Ficathon]] that was started in 2012.</ref>

Alpha/Beta/Omega has also spread into some [[original fiction]] and other media, such as the [http://www.comicbox.co.jp/omegaverse_project/ Omegaverse Project] series of [[doujin]] anthologies, which began in 2015 and is still ongoing, and [[BL game]] Omega Vampire. It became popular enough in romance fiction circles that in 2018 one author tried to claim that she had invented the [[het]] omegaverse subgenre, leading to the [[Omegaverse Litigation]].<ref group="note">For more context about this lawsuit, see [[No one owns a genre, least of all Omegaverse]]. Het is far less common, but has been around since the beginning of the genre; for example, see [https://archiveofourown.org/works/308260 All Ways] by [[netweight]] (Jensen Ackles/Danneel Harris, 2011-12-31), not to mention the het and femslash challenge [[A/B/O Femslash & Het Ficathon]] that was started in 2012.</ref>

===F/F===

===F/F===

===Non-Western Fandoms===

===Non-Western Fandoms===

A/B/O made its way into Japanese fandom around 2014 through both [[doujin]] and [[fanart]] featuring the trope on [[Pixiv]].<ref>[http://archive.is/Ph7NL ask about the Omegaverse project] by [[bunnys-scans]] (archived link)</ref> As of 2019, A/B/O is such a popular trope in Japan that some stores have started creating displays solely populated with A/B/O content.<ref>{{cite web | url = https://twitter.com/emiyannn/status/1088699488682692608 | title = Presenting: the shinjuku Animate omegaverse display | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20220607050134/https://twitter.com/emiyannn/status/1088699488682692608 | archivedate = 2022-06-07 }}</ref> Sometime in late 2013, A/B/O was also introduced into Chinese [[danmei|BL]] circles and it's now a relatively common trope used in both Chinese-language fanworks and fanworks about Chinese media (such as [[Guardian (webseries)|Guardian]]). Much like in Japanese fandom, A/B/O also features in Chinese original works like [[cnovel|webnovels]].<ref>{{cite web | url = https://www.novelupdates.com/stag/omegaverse/ | title = Novel Updates Omegaverse Tag | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20220618222510/https://www.novelupdates.com/stag/omegaverse/ | archivedate = 2022-06-18 }}</ref> Most often, in both the case of Chinese and Japanese fans, they're likely to call this trope "Omegaverse" rather than A/B/O. This is also the case with [[anime]] and [[manga]] fics featuring the trope.

Omegaverse made its way into Japanese fandom around 2014 through both [[doujin]] and [[fanart]] featuring the trope on [[Pixiv]].<ref>[http://archive.is/Ph7NL ask about the Omegaverse project] by [[bunnys-scans]] (archived link)</ref> As of 2019, Omegaverse is such a popular trope in Japan that some stores have started creating displays solely populated with Omegaverse content.<ref>{{cite web | url = https://twitter.com/emiyannn/status/1088699488682692608 | title = Presenting: the shinjuku Animate omegaverse display | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20220607050134/https://twitter.com/emiyannn/status/1088699488682692608 | archivedate = 2022-06-07 }}</ref> Sometime in late 2013, Omegaverse was also introduced into Chinese [[danmei|BL]] circles and it's now a relatively common trope used in both Chinese-language fanworks and fanworks about Chinese media (such as [[Guardian (webseries)|Guardian]]). Much like in Japanese fandom, Omegaverse also features in Chinese original works like [[cnovel|webnovels]].<ref>{{cite web | url = https://www.novelupdates.com/stag/omegaverse/ | title = Novel Updates Omegaverse Tag | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20220618222510/https://www.novelupdates.com/stag/omegaverse/ | archivedate = 2022-06-18 }}</ref> Most often, in both the case of Chinese and Japanese fans, they're likely to call this trope "Omegaverse" rather than "A/B/O". This is also the case with [[anime]] and [[manga]] fics featuring the trope.

This trope has also made its way into the general fanfic universe, and the [[Alpha/Beta/Omega AU]] tag is used in many non-western fandoms as well. In 2013, [[EXO]] released the lead single [[Wolf]] which inspired [[EXO]] fandom writers to write Wolf AU, incorporating the theme of A/B/O in stories and becoming widely popular on [[Asianfanfics]], the main website for k-pop [[RPF]]. [[EXO]] fandom popularized A/B/O fanfic in non-western fandoms. As of 2019, the third most popular fandom to feature A/B/O on the [[Archive of Our Own]] is the popular [[K-pop]] fandom [[BTS]].<ref>{{source| url = https://archiveofourown.org/tags/Alpha*s*Beta*s*Omega%20Dynamics/works | title =  Works tagged with Alpha/Beta/Omega Dynamics |archiveurl= https://web.archive.org/web/20190713200206/https://archiveofourown.org/tags/Alpha*s*Beta*s*Omega%20Dynamics/works |archivedate= 2019-07-13 }}, accessed 13 July 2019. BTS is the third tag down in the fandom section of the filter sidebar.</ref> There are also other [[K-pop]] and [[J-pop]] bands represented. A/B/O is also popular in other types of non-western fandoms, and Omegaverse fic has become very popular in the [[Fire Emblem]] fandom in recent years, particularly in the Awakening and Fates subsections. It's also extremely popular in the [[Yuri on Ice|Yuri!!! On Ice]] and [[Haikyuu|Haikyuu!!]] fandoms, as well as [[Boku no Hero Academia]] fandom. Both [[Yuri on Ice|Yuri!!! On Ice]] and [[Haikyuu|Haikyuu!!]] are in the top 10 fandoms represented on AO3.

This trope has also made its way into the general fanfic universe, and the [[Alpha/Beta/Omega AU]] tag is used in many non-western fandoms as well. In 2013, [[EXO]] released the lead single [[Wolf]], which inspired [[EXO]] fandom writers to write Wolf AU, incorporating Omegaverse themes in stories and becoming widely popular on [[Asianfanfics]], the main website for k-pop [[RPF]]. [[EXO]] fandom popularized Omegaverse fanfic in non-western fandoms. As of 2019, the third most popular fandom to feature Omegaverse on the [[Archive of Our Own]] is the popular [[K-pop]] fandom [[BTS]].<ref>{{source| url = https://archiveofourown.org/tags/Alpha*s*Beta*s*Omega%20Dynamics/works | title =  Works tagged with Alpha/Beta/Omega Dynamics |archiveurl= https://web.archive.org/web/20190713200206/https://archiveofourown.org/tags/Alpha*s*Beta*s*Omega%20Dynamics/works |archivedate= 2019-07-13 }}, accessed 13 July 2019. BTS is the third tag down in the fandom section of the filter sidebar.</ref> There are also other [[K-pop]] and [[J-pop]] bands represented. Omegaverse is also popular in other types of non-western fandoms; for example, it has become very popular in the [[Fire Emblem]] fandom in recent years, particularly in the [[Fire Emblem Fates|Fates]] and [[Fire Emblem: Three Houses|Three Houses]] subsections. It's also extremely popular in the [[Yuri on Ice|Yuri!!! On Ice]] and [[Haikyuu|Haikyuu!!]] fandoms, as well as [[Boku no Hero Academia]] fandom. Both [[Yuri on Ice|Yuri!!! On Ice]] and [[Haikyuu|Haikyuu!!]] are in the top 10 fandoms represented on AO3.

A recent trend specifically in anime and manga fandoms is the introduction of a fourth gender, '''Enigma'''. This concept was borrowed from the [[yaoi]] manga [[Kanraku Alpha ~Enigma~ 4 verse]], where an "Enigma" is a rare and unique gender that can make ''anyone'' submit, even an Alpha.<ref>{{cite web | url = https://twitter.com/Aicoramenai/status/1142063155167674368 | title = A new gender in omegaverse has been added which is superior than Alpha. They are called ENIGMAS. }}</ref> Authors have added fourth genders before, usually named "Gamma" or something similar to keep with the theme of Greek letters, but Enigma is the first one to be fairly widespread with a set definition. It's mainly popular in the [[Boku no Hero Academia]] fandom.

A recent trend specifically in anime and manga fandoms is the introduction of a fourth gender, '''Enigma'''. This concept was borrowed from the [[yaoi]] manga [[Kanraku Alpha ~Enigma~ 4 verse]], where an "Enigma" is a rare and unique gender that can make ''anyone'' submit, even an Alpha.<ref>{{cite web | url = https://twitter.com/Aicoramenai/status/1142063155167674368 | title = A new gender in omegaverse has been added which is superior than Alpha. They are called ENIGMAS. }}</ref> Authors have added fourth genders before, usually named "Gamma" or something similar to keep with the theme of Greek letters, but Enigma is the first one to be fairly widespread with a set definition. It's mainly popular in the [[Boku no Hero Academia]] fandom.

===Chinese Terminology===

===Chinese Terminology===

Alternate terminology was developed for Chinese A/B/O works in [[wuxia]] and other historical settings:

Alternate terminology for Alpha/Beta/Omega was developed for Chinese works in [[wuxia]] and other historical settings:

*Alpha: 乾元 Qianyuan

*Alpha: 乾元 Qianyuan

*Beta: 中庸 Zhongyong

*Beta: 中庸 Zhongyong

==Similarities with Other Tropes==

==Similarities with Other Tropes==

The A/B/O trope contains elements of tropes that appeared in many earlier fan stories. It is perhaps the combination of these elements that makes A/B/O unique.

Omegaverse contains elements of tropes that appeared in many earlier fan stories. It is perhaps the combination of these elements that makes Omegaverse unique.

Among those elements are [[MPREG]], [[going into heat]], a hierarchical biology-based class/caste system, and [[knotting]]. Other tropes dealing with "a basic biology they cannot deny" include [[pon farr]], the [[Sime~Gen]] universe, and some elements of [[Sentinel AU]].

Among those elements are [[MPREG]], [[going into heat]], a hierarchical biology-based class/caste system, and [[knotting]]. Other tropes dealing with "a basic biology they cannot deny" include [[pon farr]], the [[Sime~Gen]] universe, and some elements of [[Sentinel AU]].

According to one commentator on [[FFA]], A/B/O fic can be distinguished from earlier tropes by its combination of biological changes with a culture structured around the differentiated biology: {{Quotation|I always say it's the class system based on biological characteristiques and knotting, though other nonnies have pointed out that knotting isn't omnipresent in fic being written nowadays. Mpreg isn't so much needed as the possibility of mpreg - and someone may write fic where alphas and omegas are biological dead ends and thus remove the possibility of mpreg and thus remove that possibility and I, personally, would still consider it a/b/o as long as they'd be a differentiated social group. The same rational goes for heats, as long as other biological markers are in place to account for the biological part of the genre. It's the the articulation between those differences and the social [side] of things that is really the indispensable part.<ref>{{source| url = http://fail-fandomanon.dreamwidth.org/185139.html?thread=1008892979#cmt1008892979 | title = fail_fandomanon | FFA DW Post # 383 - Greek social fallacies |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20201106112304/https://fail-fandomanon.dreamwidth.org/185139.html?thread=1008892979 |archivedate= 2020-11-06 }}</ref>}}

According to one commentator on [[FFA]], Omegaverse fic can be distinguished from earlier tropes by its combination of biological changes with a culture structured around the differentiated biology: {{Quotation|I always say it's the class system based on biological characteristiques and knotting, though other nonnies have pointed out that knotting isn't omnipresent in fic being written nowadays. Mpreg isn't so much needed as the possibility of mpreg - and someone may write fic where alphas and omegas are biological dead ends and thus remove the possibility of mpreg and thus remove that possibility and I, personally, would still consider it a/b/o as long as they'd be a differentiated social group. The same rational goes for heats, as long as other biological markers are in place to account for the biological part of the genre. It's the the articulation between those differences and the social [side] of things that is really the indispensable part.<ref>{{source| url = http://fail-fandomanon.dreamwidth.org/185139.html?thread=1008892979#cmt1008892979 | title = fail_fandomanon | FFA DW Post # 383 - Greek social fallacies |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20201106112304/https://fail-fandomanon.dreamwidth.org/185139.html?thread=1008892979 |archivedate= 2020-11-06 }}</ref>}}

A similar premise was used in [[Life from the Ashes]] in [[X-Files]] fandom in the 1990s. In that story, a virus biologically changes half of the male population into breeding partners who emit sex pheromones. Social differentiation between the biologically determined groups is not explicit, although by the end of the story, it is implied.

A similar premise was used in [[Life from the Ashes]] in [[X-Files]] fandom in the 1990s. In that story, a virus biologically changes half of the male population into breeding partners who emit sex pheromones. Social differentiation between the biologically determined groups is not explicit, although by the end of the story, it is implied.

==Statistics==

==Statistics==

[[File:Popularity of omegaverse over time.png|thumb|300px|Graph by [[destinationtoast]] showing the increasing popularity of omegaverse on AO3 over time]]

[[File:Popularity of omegaverse over time.png|thumb|300px|Graph by [[destinationtoast]] showing the increasing popularity of omegaverse on AO3 over time]]

In August 2013, [[destinationtoast]] created an analysis of Alpha/Beta/Omega [[fic]]s based on how these fics are tagged on [[AO3]]. The statistics look at how A/B/O fic fits into the general categories on AO3 including how much is [[slash]], [[femslash]], or [[het]], how it is rated, and how much is marked with the archive warning. The stats also explore popularity over time, common co-occurring tags, the relationship with [[mpreg]], which fandoms produce the most A/B/O, and popularity within fandoms.

In August 2013, [[destinationtoast]] created an analysis of Alpha/Beta/Omega [[fic]]s based on how these fics are tagged on [[AO3]]. The statistics look at how the fic fits into the general categories on AO3 including how much is [[slash]], [[femslash]], or [[het]], how it is rated, and how much is marked with the archive warning. The stats also explore popularity over time, common co-occurring tags, the relationship with [[mpreg]], which fandoms produce the most fanworks, and popularity within fandoms.

Destinationtoast concluded<ref>[http://destinationtoast.tumblr.com/post/59371807212/its-time-for-fandom-stats-omegaverse-edition-in It’s time for fandom stats: Omegaverse edition!] by destinationtoast, posted to tumblr 25 August 2013. [https://archive.is/GvRQp archived].</ref> that:

Destinationtoast concluded<ref>[http://destinationtoast.tumblr.com/post/59371807212/its-time-for-fandom-stats-omegaverse-edition-in It’s time for fandom stats: Omegaverse edition!] by destinationtoast, posted to tumblr 25 August 2013. [https://archive.is/GvRQp archived].</ref> that:

* The majority (55.7%) of A/B/O fics are rated Explicit

* The majority (55.7%) of Omegaverse fics are rated Explicit

* 90% of A/B/O fics are tagged M/M

* 90% of fics are tagged M/M

* [[Knotting]], [[mpreg]], [[Heat fic|mating cycles/in heat]], [[AU]], [[dubcon]], [[angst]], and [[fluff]] are tags commonly found on A/B/O fic

* [[Knotting]], [[mpreg]], [[Heat fic|mating cycles/in heat]], [[AU]], [[dubcon]], [[angst]], and [[fluff]] are tags commonly found on Omegaverse fic

* A/B/O has been gaining in popularity over time, but is still less than 1% of fics produced on AO3 each month

* Omegaverse has been gaining in popularity over time, but is still less than 1% of fics produced on AO3 each month

* The most A/B/O fic comes from the [[Sherlock (TV)]], [[Teen Wolf]], [[The Avengers]], [[Supernatural]], and [[Supernatural RPF]] fandoms

* The most fic comes from the [[Sherlock (TV)]], [[Teen Wolf]], [[The Avengers]], [[Supernatural]], and [[Supernatural RPF]] fandoms

Destinationtoast wrote another Omegaverse analysis post the following year: {{source| url = https://destinationtoast.tumblr.com/post/99424121089/omegaverse-in-the-sherlock-fandom | title = OMEGAVERSE IN THE SHERLOCK FANDOM  | archiveurl = https://web.archive.org/web/20200329180134/https://destinationtoast.tumblr.com/post/99424121089/omegaverse-in-the-sherlock-fandom | archivedate = 2020-03-29 }}  

Destinationtoast wrote another Omegaverse analysis post the following year: {{source| url = https://destinationtoast.tumblr.com/post/99424121089/omegaverse-in-the-sherlock-fandom | title = OMEGAVERSE IN THE SHERLOCK FANDOM  | archiveurl = https://web.archive.org/web/20200329180134/https://destinationtoast.tumblr.com/post/99424121089/omegaverse-in-the-sherlock-fandom | archivedate = 2020-03-29 }}  

[[File:AO3 fandoms with the highest percentage of A B O fanworks.png|thumb|AO3: top fandoms by percentage (2020)]]

[[File:AO3 fandoms with the highest percentage of A B O fanworks.png|thumb|AO3: top fandoms by percentage (2020)]]

Fandoms with the highest number of A/B/O works on the AO3 as of March 2020:<ref name="aethel">Numbers collected from AO3 while logged in on 29 March 2020.[https://aethel.tumblr.com/post/613945493233500160/the-two-graphs-above-were-made-using-google-sheets]</ref>

Fandoms with the highest number of Alpha/Beta/Omega works on the AO3 as of March 2020:<ref name="aethel">Numbers collected from AO3 while logged in on 29 March 2020.[https://aethel.tumblr.com/post/613945493233500160/the-two-graphs-above-were-made-using-google-sheets]</ref>

   

   

* [[Supernatural]] - 5971  

* [[Supernatural]] - 5971  

* [[My Hero Academia]] - 3094

* [[My Hero Academia]] - 3094

Fandoms with more than 5K works with the highest percentage of A/B/O works on the AO3 as of March 2020:<ref name="aethel"/>

Fandoms with more than 5K works with the highest percentage of Omegaverse works on the AO3 as of March 2020:<ref name="aethel"/>

* [[Yuri!!! on Ice]] - 5.43%

* [[Yuri!!! on Ice]] - 5.43%