A science fiction genre characterized by its focus on "high tech and lowlife". Basic themes include the dehumanizing effects of technology, and the accompanying societal breakdown. Think dark and dirty, with lots of wires and neon lights. The name is a portmanteau of cybernetics and punk, and was originally coined by American science fiction author Bruce Bethke as the title of his short Sci-Fi story Cyberpunk, written in 1980. It was further popularized by the author William Gibson.