Meta (-fic)

Meta (-fic) 

Refers to stories in which certain meta-like qualities apply. The term "meta" itself refers to something that is abstracted about itself, like a fanfic about fanfic. It is used as both a prefix and an adjective. In fic, this includes stories which break the "fourth wall" between fiction and reality, and stories which are written as thinly-veiled commentaries on fandom or real life existence. Will often be humourous or crackfic, but can be quite serious as well.