What does "steampunk" actually mean

I see lots of people mention steampunk and when I look at layouts and cards, I can clearly identify them into that "genre"... but what is the actual meaning of the term steampunk?

Here is Wikipedia's definition:

Steampunk is a genre which came into prominence during the 1980s and early 1990s and incorporates elements of science fiction, fantasy, alternate history, horror, and speculative fiction. It involves a setting where steam power is widely used—whether in an alternate history such as Victorian era Britain or "Wild West"-era United States, or in a post-apocalyptic time —that incorporates elements of either science fiction or fantasy. Works of steampunk often feature anachronistic technology, or futuristic innovations as Victorians might have envisioned them, based on a Victorian perspective on fashion, culture, architectural style, and art. This technology includes such fictional machines as those found in the works of H. G. Wells and Jules Verne, or the contemporary authors Philip Pullman, Scott Westerfeld and China Mieville.

Other examples of steampunk contain alternative history-style presentations of such technology as lighter-than-air airships, analog computers, or such digital mechanical computers as Charles Babbage and Ada Lovelace's Analytical Engine.

Steampunk also refers to art, fashion, and design that are informed by the aesthetics of Steampunk literature.[1] Various modern utilitarian objects have been modded by individual artisans into a pseudo-Victorian mechanical "steampunk" style, and a number of visual and musical artists have been described as steampunk.


When I think of it, I think "Mad Max - Beyond Thunderdome"

WOW. Now that was an explanation!!

sorry to be longgggg winded

DOn't be - it was good to read. I know it when I see it also but I couldn't define it if I had to so that helped!

Mad Max! I had not thought of that lately.

Look at H. G. Wells & Juels Verne. I would say they "pioneered" Steampunk. Also, the new movie that won so many Oscars..."Hugo" by Martin Scorsese.

Simply, it is about a Victorian time when the Steam rail travel was the thing. And then crazy science ficton things happen that seem out of place.

Oh, and Cowboys and Aliens. Daniel Craig is in that one. I love Daniel Craig!

I really appreciated your explanation. It made perfect sense to me and now I understand.

One aspect of Steampunk that I find fascinating is the fantasy of…How would the world have evolved if steam had continued to be the main source of power. That’s why you see a lot of gears, cranks, metal, glass in Steampunk and the continuation of design elements from the era when steam power ruled.

Steampuke went through a resurgence about 4-5 years ago (especially the litature) and then scrapbooking jumped on the band wagon.