4 ms·

No more bizarre than describing someone as a "football fan", "music fan", "star trek fan", etc.

• OJFord 10y ago
  Why? That's actually a common usage. Add '~atic' to any of those and it's sounds much more extreme; something to disapprove of. I quoted Cambridge online dictionary above as defining it as disapproving, the same dictionary defines 'fan' exactly as you use it, and does not give 'fanatic' as a synonym. Of course it originates as an abbreviation, but the usual usage is very different.
  • ajdlinux 10y ago
    Certainly here in Australia I don't think "football fanatic" would be considered derogatory or disapproving. "Religious fanatic" is a different question, of course, but I happen to think Rackspace's branding is perfectly fine!
  • pertymcpert 10y ago
    It really doesn't, everyone knows that football fanatic is just a big fan of football. Same for any other interest. It's hyperbole but one that everyone knows is hyperbole. Strange that you think otherwise to be honest.
    • OJFord 10y ago
      Well, maybe it's regional. I have at least backed up my surprise at the use with two different dictionary citations, so it can't be that strange of a view.
      • praneshp 10y ago
        It's possible your surprise is regional. Rackspace has had success with that branding (though it's ironic to discuss that in this article).