Swifties
Swifties are the fandom of the American singer-songwriter Taylor Swift. Regarded by journalists as one of the largest, most devoted and influential fan bases, Swifties are known for their high levels of participation, creativity, community and fanaticism. They are a subject of widespread coverage in the mainstream media.
Critics have opined that Swift has redefined artist–fandom relationships by establishing an intimate connection with Swifties. She has frequently engaged with, helped, credited and prioritized her fans, while the latter have offered unprecedented support and interest in her works irrespective of her wavering reception in the media. They continued to support Swift through her genre transitions and unexpected artistic pivots, helped her during her highly publicized controversies such as the 2019 masters dispute, instigated the political scrutiny of Ticketmaster that led to implementation of various laws, and stimulated economic growth with the cultural impact of the Eras Tour. Swift's releases, promotional efforts and fashion have garnered attention for incorporating Easter eggs and clues that are decoded by Swifties and considered part of her musical universe. The word Swiftie(s) was added to the Oxford Dictionary of English in 2023.
Swifties have had an impact on the music industry and popular culture. Cultural analyses have variably described them as a community of interest, a subculture, and a near-metaverse, while academics have studied them for their consumerism, content creation, social capital, collective effervescence, organizing prolificacy, and interpersonal relationships. Swifties have also been a subject of criticism, with some members of the fanbase displaying disregard for Swift's privacy by publicizing her real-time locations. Media outlets have reported that some online Swifties engage in verbal attack of individuals, including celebrities, who malign Swift.