Rule 63 Meaning: The Surprising Truth Behind Gender Swaps in Pop Culture - English Study Online (2024)

In today’s world, slang terms and phrases are constantly evolving, and one of the latest to gain popularity is “rule 63.” This phrase has been popping up in various online communities and has become a part of the internet lexicon. While its meaning and origin may not be immediately clear to everyone, it has quickly become a buzzword that is worth exploring. In this article, we will delve into the world of “rule 63” and uncover its significance in modern culture.

Rule 63 Meaning

Rule 63 Meaning: The Surprising Truth Behind Gender Swaps in Pop Culture - English Study Online (1)

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Rule 63 Meaning

What Does Rule 63 Mean?

Rule 63 is one of the most well-known and widely used rules of the internet. It states that for every fictional character, there exists a gender-swapped counterpart of that character. This means that for every male character, there is a female version of that character, and vice versa.

Rule 63 is particularly pervasive in the anime and manga community, where communities have sprung up around romantic gender-swap relationships. It is also commonly used in other fandoms, such as video games, comics, and movies.

One of the most interesting things about Rule 63 is the way it has been used to explore gender and identity in fiction. By creating gender-swapped versions of existing characters, fans can explore different aspects of those characters and their relationships with other characters.

For example, a fan might create a female version of a male character and explore how that character’s relationships with other characters might change as a result. This can lead to interesting new storylines and character dynamics that might not have been possible otherwise.

Origin of Rule 63

The origin of Rule 63 is not clear, but it is believed to have been published in 2007 in an expanded edition of the Rules of the Internet.

Before the creation of Rule 63, gender flipping was popularized in video games in the 1990s by the finishing move of Darkstalkers character Demitri Maximoff, a vampire. The move called the “Midnight Bliss” involved tossing a rose at a character to transform them into a helpless maiden and completely drain them of life energy.

The popularity of Rule 63 can be attributed to the fact that it allows fans to explore their creativity by imagining alternate versions of their favorite characters. This has resulted in a large amount of fan art and fan fiction being created, depicting gender-swapped versions of popular characters.

Examples of Rule 63 Characters

Rule 63 is a popular concept in the world of fan art, fan fiction and cosplay. It states that for every fictional character, there exists a gender-swapped counterpart of that character. This means that fans can create their own interpretations of their favorite characters with a twist. Here are some examples of Rule 63 characters:

  • Female Thor: In the Marvel comics, Thor is traditionally portrayed as a male character. However, there have been instances where Thor has been depicted as a female character. This version of Thor is known as Jane Foster, who took on the mantle of Thor after the original Thor became unworthy to wield Mjolnir.
  • Male Harley Quinn: Harley Quinn is a popular DC Comics character who is traditionally depicted as a female character. However, there have been instances where Harley Quinn has been portrayed as a male character. This version of Harley Quinn is known as Harleen Quinzel.
  • Female Deadpool: Deadpool is a popular Marvel Comics character who is known for his unique sense of humor and his ability to break the fourth wall. There have been instances where Deadpool has been depicted as a female character. This version of Deadpool is known as Lady Deadpool.
  • Male Lara Croft: Lara Croft is a popular video game character who is known for her adventurous spirit and her skills as an archaeologist. There have been instances where Lara Croft has been depicted as a male character. This version of Lara Croft is known as Larry Croft.
  • Female Doctor Who: Doctor Who is a popular British TV show that has been on the air since 1963. The show follows the adventures of the Doctor, a Time Lord who travels through time and space in a blue police box called the TARDIS. There have been instances where the Doctor has been depicted as a female character. This version of the Doctor is known as the Thirteenth Doctor, portrayed by Jodie Whittaker.
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Rule 63 in Pop Culture

The concept of gender-swapping characters has been present in popular culture for a long time. In fact, it is not uncommon for writers and artists to create alternate versions of their characters, often with different genders. This allows them to explore different aspects of the character’s personality and story.

Rule 63 has become particularly pervasive in the anime and manga community, where communities have sprouted up built around romantic gender-swap relationships. This is because many anime and manga series have a large cast of characters, making it easy to imagine what they would look like if they were of the opposite gender.

One of the most popular examples of Rule 63 in pop culture is the character of Link from the Legend of Zelda series. Link is typically portrayed as a male character, but there are many fan art and fan fiction pieces that depict a female version of Link, often referred to as “Linkle”. Another example is the character of Sherlock Holmes, who has been gender-swapped in various adaptations, including the BBC series “Sherlock” where the character of Dr. Watson is portrayed as a female.

Rule 63 in Cosplay

Cosplay is a popular activity among fans of anime, comics, and other forms of media. Rule 63 has become a significant part of cosplay culture, inspiring fans to create gender-swapped versions of their favorite characters. According to Rule 63, for every male character, there exists a female version, and for every female character, there exists a male version.

Cosplayers have taken this rule and run with it, creating unique and creative interpretations of characters. Genderbending, in particular, is a popular way to explore the possibilities of Rule 63. Cosplayers will often create costumes that mix masculine and feminine elements to create a new, gender-neutral version of the character.

For example, a cosplayer might create a female version of Superman by swapping out his traditional blue and red suit for a red and blue dress. They might also add feminine accessories like a purse or high heels to complete the look. Alternatively, a cosplayer might create a male version of Sailor Moon by adding a suit and tie to the character’s traditional sailor outfit.

Rule 63 has also inspired cosplayers to explore the idea of genderfluidity. Some cosplayers will create costumes that change gender depending on the day or the event. For example, a cosplayer might create a costume that can be worn as a male or female version of a character depending on their mood or the occasion.

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Rule 63 in Fan Art

Fan art is a popular way for fans to express their creativity and love for their favorite fictional characters. Rule 63 has become a common theme in fan art, particularly in the anime and manga community. The rule states that for every fictional character, there exists a gender-swapped counterpart of that character.

Fans have taken this rule and run with it, creating countless gender-swapped versions of their favorite characters. Some popular examples include female versions of Spiderman, Iron Man, and Batman. These gender-swapped characters often have their own unique designs and personalities, adding a new twist to the original character.

Gender-swapped fan art has also led to the creation of new relationships and pairings between characters. For example, a gender-swapped version of Harry Potter and Draco Malfoy could lead to a new romantic pairing that wouldn’t have been possible in the original canon.

Fans have also used Rule 63 to explore gender and identity in their fan art. By swapping the gender of a character, fans can explore how gender affects the character’s personality and relationships with other characters.

Rule 63 in Internet Communities

The concept of Rule 63 is most commonly used in the context of fan art and fan-fiction. Fans often enjoy reimagining their favorite characters in different ways, and gender-swapping is a popular way to do this. For example, you might come across fan art of a female version of Iron Man or a male version of Wonder Woman.

Rule 63 has become a popular shorthand for referring to gender-swapped characters in online communities. It is often used in forums, social media, and other online spaces where fans gather to discuss their favorite shows, movies, and books. For example, you might see someone post a picture of a gender-swapped version of Harry Potter with the caption “Rule 63 strikes again!”

The popularity of Rule 63 has led to a thriving community of artists and writers who specialize in creating gender-swapped versions of popular characters. These creators often share their work on social media and other online platforms, where they can connect with fans who appreciate their unique take on beloved characters.

In some cases, Rule 63 has been used to challenge traditional gender roles and stereotypes. By creating gender-swapped versions of characters, fans and creators are able to explore new possibilities and challenge the status quo. For example, a male version of Sailor Moon might challenge traditional ideas about masculinity and femininity.

Impact of Rule 63

Rule 63 has had a significant impact on the world of fanworks, particularly in the anime and manga community. It has allowed fans to explore new interpretations of their favorite characters by swapping their gender, leading to the creation of countless fan art, fan fiction, and cosplay. This has resulted in a thriving online community centered around romantic gender-swap relationships.

The popularity of Rule 63 has also led to the creation of various memes and internet slang, further cementing its place in internet culture. For example, the phrase “genderbent” is often used to describe a character that has been gender-swapped, while “Rule 63’d” is used to refer to a specific instance of gender-swapping.

However, Rule 63 has also been the subject of criticism, with some arguing that it reinforces harmful gender stereotypes and fails to truly challenge the gender binary. Despite this, it remains a popular and pervasive concept within fan communities.

Controversies and Criticisms of Rule 63

While Rule 63 has gained popularity and acceptance within certain fan communities, it has also faced criticism and controversy. Some of the main criticisms of Rule 63 are:

  • Reinforcement of Gender Stereotypes: Critics argue that Rule 63 reinforces traditional gender stereotypes by suggesting that male and female characters are simply interchangeable. This can perpetuate the idea that there are only two rigid gender categories, and that certain traits and behaviors are inherently masculine or feminine.
  • Lack of Originality: Some critics argue that Rule 63 fanworks lack originality and creativity, as they simply swap the gender of existing characters without adding anything new or unique to the story or character.
  • Fetishization of Gender-Swapping: Rule 63 fanworks can sometimes fall into the trap of fetishizing gender-swapping, portraying it as a sexual or erotic fantasy rather than a creative exploration of gender identity and expression.
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Despite these criticisms, Rule 63 continues to be a popular and widespread meme within certain fan communities. It has inspired countless works of fan art, fan fiction, and cosplay, and has even led to the creation of entirely new characters and universes. Whether you love it or hate it, there’s no denying that Rule 63 has had a significant impact on internet culture and the world of fandom.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Rule 63 and how does it relate to gender?

Rule 63 is a popular internet meme that states that for every male character, there must be a female counterpart. This rule is often used to create gender-swapped versions of popular characters from movies, TV shows, and video games. Rule 63 is related to gender because it challenges traditional gender roles and stereotypes by presenting male characters in feminine roles and vice versa.

What is the difference between Rule 63 and Rule 64?

Rule 63 and Rule 64 are often confused with each other, but they are actually different. Rule 63 states that for every male character, there must be a female counterpart, while Rule 64 states that any fictional character can be gender-swapped. This means that Rule 64 is a more inclusive rule that allows for gender-swapping of any character, not just male ones.

What is the meaning of Rule 63 in LGBT communities?

Rule 63 is often used in LGBT communities as a way to explore gender identity and expression. By creating gender-swapped versions of popular characters, people can experiment with different gender presentations and challenge traditional gender norms. Rule 63 can also be used as a way to celebrate and showcase LGBTQ+ representation in popular culture.

What are some examples of Rule 63 in popular culture?

Some popular examples of Rule 63 in popular culture include female versions of popular male characters like “FemShep” from the Mass Effect video game series and “Rule 63 Thor” from the Marvel Comics universe. Rule 63 has also been used to create gender-swapped versions of characters from TV shows like The Office and Game of Thrones.

What is the origin of Rule 63 on the Internet?

The origin of Rule 63 is unclear, but it is believed to have originated on 4chan, an online message board. The rule was first mentioned in a thread discussing the creation of a gender-swapped version of the character “Link” from the Legend of Zelda video game series.

How has Rule 63 evolved over time?

Since its inception, Rule 63 has evolved to become a more inclusive and diverse rule. While it originally only applied to male characters, it has since been expanded to include all fictional characters. Additionally, Rule 63 has been used to explore different aspects of gender identity and expression, including non-binary and genderfluid identities.

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