Selfie vs. Groupie — What's the Difference?
By Tayyaba Rehman — Updated on September 21, 2023
A selfie is a photograph taken of oneself, typically with a smartphone, while a groupie refers to a devoted fan of a celebrity or band or, informally, a group photo.
Difference Between Selfie and Groupie
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
In today's digital age, the art of taking photographs has evolved, introducing terms such as "selfie" and "groupie." A selfie, as the term suggests, is a self-portrait photo usually taken with a handheld digital device, often a smartphone. These photos can be taken anywhere and often show the photographer holding out one arm with the camera in hand, capturing their image. On the other hand, the word "groupie" has a dual meaning. Traditionally, a groupie refers to an enthusiastic or obsessive fan, especially a young person who follows a particular band or celebrity. However, in casual parlance, it has also come to mean a group photograph.
Unlike a selfie, which focuses on an individual, a groupie in this context captures a moment shared among friends, family, or even strangers.
While both selfies and groupies are popular on social media, they cater to different moments and emotions, with the former being more personal and the latter emphasizing camaraderie.
Comparison Chart
Definition
A photograph taken of oneself.
Either a devoted fan or, informally, a group photograph.
Focus
Individual
Group or a celebrity/band
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Popularity
High on social media for personal branding and updates.
Popular in events, gatherings, or fan contexts.
Origin
Derived from "self" indicating personal capture.
Derived from "group" or context of obsessive fans.
Usage in Photography
Often taken using front camera of smartphones with extendable accessories
Usually requires someone else or timer to take the shot.
Compare with Definitions
Selfie
An individual-focused photograph.
Instead of asking a stranger, I just took a quick selfie.
Groupie
A person who seeks intimacy with celebrities.
The movie depicts the life of a groupie during the 70s rock era.
Selfie
An image captured using a smartphone's front camera.
The new phone's front camera makes my selfie game strong.
Groupie
A devoted fan of a celebrity or band.
She's a major groupie of that rock band and attends all their concerts.
Selfie
A digital self-representation.
My profile picture is a selfie I took last summer.
Groupie
An enthusiastic follower or admirer.
Every famous artist has a few groupies who are always around.
Selfie
A self-portrait photograph.
I took a selfie in front of the Eiffel Tower.
Groupie
Informally, a group photograph.
Let's gather everyone and take a groupie!
Selfie
A personal shot often shared on social media.
She posts a daily morning selfie on her Instagram.
Groupie
A term indicating group association in photos.
The wedding was so much fun; we took so many groupies.
Selfie
A selfie () is a self-portrait photograph, typically taken with a digital camera or smartphone, which may be held in the hand or supported by a selfie stick. Selfies are often shared on social media, via social networking services such as Facebook, Twitter, Snapchat, and Instagram.
Groupie
The term groupie is a slang word that refers to a fan of a particular musical group who follows the band around while they are on tour or who attends as many of their public appearances as possible, with the hope of meeting them. The term is usually derogatory, describing young women who follow these individuals aiming to initiate a sexual encounter with them or to offer them sex.
Selfie
A photograph, especially a snapshot, that one takes of oneself
He texted a selfie to his friends.
Groupie
A fan who follows a rock group around on tours.
Selfie
A photographic self-portrait, especially one taken manually (not using a timer, tripod etc.) with a small camera or mobile phone.
Take a selfie
Groupie
An enthusiastic supporter or follower
A ballet groupie.
Selfie
To take a selfie
Groupie
A fan, especially a young female fan of a male singer or rock group; a person who seeks intimacy (most often physical, sometimes emotional) with a celebrity, usually a rock 'n' roll artist or band member.
Groupie
A group photo including the photographer; a group self-portrait.
Groupie
An enthusiastic young fan (especially a young woman who follows rock groups around)
Common Curiosities
Is a selfie always taken with a smartphone?
Most often, yes, but a selfie can be taken with any camera.
Does "groupie" always refer to a group photo?
No, traditionally it refers to a devoted fan of a band or celebrity.
Can a selfie include multiple people?
While traditionally focused on an individual, a selfie can include others, but then it's often termed a "group selfie."
Is a groupie always a fan of a musical band?
Often, but it can refer to a fan of any celebrity or public figure.
Are there tools to aid in taking a selfie?
Yes, tools like selfie sticks can help in capturing a wider angle.
Can the term groupie be used negatively?
Yes, sometimes it's used derogatorily for fans who are seen as overly obsessed or seeking attention.
Why has the term groupie become associated with group photos?
It's an informal evolution of the term, influenced by "selfie" and the word "group."
Do celebrities take selfies?
Absolutely, many celebrities post selfies on their social media.
Is a selfie a modern concept?
While self-portraits have existed in art, the term and its current popular usage are modern, tied to smartphones and social media.
Are groupies often seen with celebrities?
In the traditional sense, yes, groupies often try to be close to celebrities, especially in music contexts.
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Written by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
