retcon

noun
/ˈɹɛtˌkɒn/UK

Etymology

A blend of retroactive + continuity. The term retroactive continuity was popularized by comics writer Roy Thomas, who was known for writing superhero comic books set decades in the past such as All-Star Squadron, and attributes it to an anonymous source.

  1. derived from continuitas
  2. borrowed from continuité
  3. compounded as retcon — “retroactive + continuity

Definitions

  1. A fictional setting in which a new storyline explains or changes a previous event or…

    A fictional setting in which a new storyline explains or changes a previous event or attaches a new significance to it.

    • TLC: What do you say to the Legion fans who have become disenfranchised with the series due to its various retcons and reboots?
    • Fans talk of retcon—retroactive continuity—giving information that explains an earlier event, especially seeming plot contradictions or lacunae.
    • It's a little trick called retcon, short for "retroactive continuity," […] Yet I'm unsure even Millar is fully aware of the power given him by the retcon.
  2. To employ such a device.

    • While ‘retconning' the scripts, I came up with a number of theories that throw new light on the Doctor, his past, and various other elements[…]
    • Retroactive continuity (aka retconning), would reveal that Quicksilver and Scarlet Witch are also Magneto's children, showing that this was a guy who was really committed to his cause

The neighborhood

Vish — recursive loop

No curated loop yet for retcon. Loops are being traced one word at a time while the ingestion pipeline matures.

sense glosses and etymology drawn from English Wiktionary · source · CC-BY-SA