Navigating the Linguistic Utopia of C2E2: A Glossary of Fan Lingo

From 'COSPLAY' to 'CON CRUD', the annual comic expo is a melting pot of fan cultures and their unique vocabularies.

Mar. 30, 2026 at 7:41pm

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An extreme close-up of a shimmering, sequined costume texture captured in dramatic studio lighting, conceptually representing the glamour and spectacle of the C2E2 fan convention.The vibrant costumes and fan cultures on display at C2E2 create a linguistic utopia where specialized vocabularies transcend cultural divides.Chicago Today

The Chicago Comic and Entertainment Expo (C2E2) is a gathering of over 100,000 fans representing a diverse array of pop culture fandoms. Despite the overwhelming variety of fan communities, the event becomes a 'linguistic utopia' where attendees from all backgrounds come together and communicate through a shared lexicon of fan-specific terminology. From 'COSPLAY' and 'WEEB' to 'DUNGEON CLASSIC CRAWL' and 'BIAS WRECKERS', the reporter navigates the many languages of C2E2 and discovers that once you learn the lingo, you become part of something bigger.

Why it matters

C2E2 exemplifies how shared passions and specialized vocabularies can transcend cultural divides, creating a space where fans from all walks of life can connect over their common interests. The event's ability to foster communication and understanding across diverse fan communities offers an inspiring model for how language can bring people together, even in a society often perceived as increasingly divided.

The details

From anime fans in 'BLEACH' cosplay to 'LARP-ing' warriors wielding foam bats, the reporter encounters a dizzying array of fan subcultures at C2E2. They learn the nuances of terms like 'COSPLAY', 'WEEB', 'FANBOY', and 'BIAS WRECKERS' that define these communities. The reporter also explores the behind-the-scenes logistics of the event, including 'CON PLANS', 'SUPERHERO-LANDING READY' costumes, and the work of the DePaul University theater department in providing 'WIG PREP' and 'WIG STYLING' assistance to attendees.

  • C2E2 has been held annually since 2010, with the 16th edition taking place last weekend.

The players

Aaramis Hill

A self-described entrepreneur and aspiring cybersecurity professional from Gary, Indiana, who was cosplaying as a character from the anime series 'Bleach'.

Tim Smith

A fan from Springfield who waited in long lines to get autographs from celebrities like Martin Sheen and Elizabeth Olsen at the event.

Katie Godfrey

A 27-year-old motion graphics designer from Chicago who was cosplaying as the Vocaloid character Miku.

Gabrielle Amey

A cosplayer who, along with her husband Michael, dressed as original characters 'Lady Old Style' and 'Lord Malort' as a tribute to Chicago culture.

Dennis Kardys

A Dungeon Master who was preparing a game of Dungeons & Dragons for attendees, explaining the importance of learning the specialized vocabulary of the game.

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What they’re saying

“Once you learn the language, you're a part of something.”

— Dennis Kardys, Dungeon Master

“We're not pandering like any of the BOOBS AND BALLGOWNS cosplays, which actually is the shorthand a lot of cosplayers complain about, that convention judges often miss little details when an audience is so excited by boobs and ballgowns.”

— Gabrielle Amey, Cosplayer

“I've met so many other WEEBs through AMVs, which are just anime music videos, which is actually how a lot of people who work in motion graphics started out. But really, being here, it's a kind of CON OSMOSIS, meaning I might not play that game or watch that show, but after staying a while at C2E2, you pick up everything anyway.”

— Katie Godfrey, Motion Graphics Designer

What’s next

C2E2 will return to McCormick Place in Chicago next year, offering fans another opportunity to immerse themselves in the event's unique linguistic and cultural landscape.

The takeaway

The Chicago Comic and Entertainment Expo demonstrates how shared passions and specialized vocabularies can transcend cultural divides, creating a space where fans from all walks of life can connect over their common interests. The event's ability to foster communication and understanding across diverse fan communities offers an inspiring model for how language can bring people together, even in a society often perceived as increasingly divided.