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Therianthropy: The experience of one’s identity as being one or more earthly animals, in whole or in part. Therian/Therianthrope is the proper noun used to describe a person who identifies/experiences themselves in this way. A Therian does not choose to be this way voluntarily.
Otherkinity: The experience of one’s identity as being one or more inhuman creatures not found on Earth, either presently or in the past. Otherkin is the proper noun used to describe a person who identifies/experiences themselves in this way. Like therians, they also experience their internal identity as having one or more inhuman aspects. Also like Therians, Otherkin do not choose to be this way voluntarily. Note: Unlike Therians, Otherkin do not have an animal species in nature to observe, but must instead rely on legends, works of fiction and other subjective sources of information in their quest to understand themselves. Otherkin is sometimes used as an umbrella term meant to include therians as well, but this practice is inconsistent and not wholly agreed upon.
Theriotype/Kintype: The animal(s) or creature(s) that a Therian or Otherkin identifies as being, in whole or in part. One does not choose their therio/kintype in a conscious manner the way a Furry choses their fursona. Instead, a person’s Theriotypes/Kintypes are discovered through a process of self-exploration that varies widely in the way it is experienced by individuals.
Otherhearted/Kith: This term was created to address the very important need to distinguish between those individuals who identify AS a creature, compared to those who identify/associate strongly WITH a creature. The latter were originally described as Kith by older therian/otherkin communities, but this term seems to have fallen out of common usage. An Otherhearted person may experience a very strong sense of connection with a creature, and may feel like they see a reflection of themselves in said creature. But they don't really feel like they ARE that creature in a sense of identity and therefore, this is not Therianthropy as it was originally defined in the mid 1990’s. To provide an example, a person who identifies strongly WITH wolves, and feels a strong connection to them, would correctly identify themselves as Wolf Hearted, not a Wolf Therian.
Theriomythic: can be used by individuals who straddle the Otherkin and Therian communities, in that they identify (non-physically) as one or more mythical type creatures (IE. Dragon, griffon, etc.). This term is used by people who feel that their theriotype/kintype is more wild and instinctual or a being that does not have what is considered an "advanced" (similar to human) culture (i.e. a dragon or unicorn that does not speak a language and that does not use magic). These individuals may feel more at home in the Therian community or find it easier to discuss their more feral shifts and experiences with Therianthropes.
Polytherian/Polykin: A person with multiple inhuman identities. Though originally described as far back as the first online communities, Polytherians and Polykin were apparently less commonly reported compared with what we see today. this is likely due to Polytherians and Polykin becoming much more accepted.
Cladotherian: A therian that identifies as a larger group of animals, rather than just as a specific species. E.g. identifying as a canine therian instead of wolf therian, or as a bird therian rather than an eagle therian, etc.
Species Dysphoria: The experience of discomfort, depression, confusion, anxiety and/or feelings of disconnection associated with the sense that one's human body is the wrong species. Not all Therians and Otherkin experience this, but many do feel at least some degree of disconnection or disassociation with the human species in general. For some it is merely bothersome, while for others it is severely crippling and could be fairly described as a disorder.
Were: (pronounced "wear") An old term that originated from Were-wolves in popular fiction. This term, as used by therians, refers to a half human form of the individual Therio/Kintype, or to a Therio/Kintype which has similarly part human features. The equivalent term commonly used in the furry community is Anthro, which was derived from anthropomorphic. Though not as commonly seen today, Were is still used by older community members. However, it is no longer common as a synonym for therian, as it once was used.
Phantom Limbs: As used by Therians and Otherkin, this refers to the sensation of feeling body parts that belong to ones’ Therio/Kintype. They are not physically present of course, but the sensation is there regardless. This is very much like what amputees often experience after losing a real limb, and in fact that is where the term originally came from. Tails, ears, paws and muzzles are the most commonly reported phantom limbs, but these sensations can at times envelope the entire human frame. The experience of Phantom Limbs can be transient or permanent, and it is often (but not always) associated with shifting. (see also Phantom Shift below)
Shifting:
This term, as used by Therians and Otherkin, refers to changes in ones’ perception and/or cognition that an individual believes to be associated with their inhuman identity. A considerable number of terms were created to describe the different ways in which shifting is experienced, as well as several that describe distinct identities based on these distinctions. (see Contherian and Suntherian below)
Contherian: This identity term was created to describe Therians and Otherkin who do not report experiencing any kind of shifting whatsoever. Instead, any and all aspects of their Therio/Kintype are completely integrated into their personality and consciousness in real time. Thus, a Contherian always experiences themselves a ‘somewhere in between’ their human and non-human selves, or does not feel human in any way (including instinct), while maintaining the life of one. like allk things, this is a spectrum. some contherians may feel mostly human, while others mostly non-human.
Suntherian:
Sometimes mistaken as a synonym of Contherian, this identity term likewise describes Therians and Otherkin who experience themselves as ‘somewhere in between’ human and Therio/Kintype. However, the term Suntherian was originally created to distinguish those individuals who do in fact experience subtler ‘swings’ or ‘spikes’ in the degree to which they feel human or non-human. They are still in the middle somewhere at all times, but not in the same static, unchanging manner as the Contherian.
Note: the term Vacillant was created by the original Otherkin communities to describe exactly the same thing as Suntherian, but this term has virtually disappeared from common usage.
Mental Shift: This term refers to an experience where one enters an altered state of consciousness which they believe to be more in alignment with their Therio/Kintype than with their human selves. The intensity of these shifts is quite variable, and can range from only slight changes, to completely losing the ability to comprehend and communicate using human language. Note: While the term ‘mental’ may imply purely thought related processes, the term ‘mental shift’ is often used in a context which includes emotional aspects as well, and this could potentially be a source of confusion/debate amongst community members.
Sensory/Perception Shift: This is an experience where the Therian/Otherkin perceives sensory input in a way which they believe to be more in alignment with their Therio/Kintype, typically causing one or more of the five senses to seem stronger or duller. Those who have a Therio/Kintype with senses that humans don’t share may experience a sort of ‘phantom’ or ‘ghost copy’ of what they believe those senses are picking up. Note: may or may not be considered synonymous with ‘Mental Shift’ by some, though this is debatable.
Phantom Shift: A shift that results in the experience of phantom limbs associated with ones Therio/Kintype, superimposed over their physical human body. (see Phantom Limbs above.) Phantom shifts can also be accompanied by mental or sensory shifts, but this is not always the case.
Dream Shifting: Fairly self-explanatory. This is when one dreams of being their Therio/Kintype, with or without being aware of transforming into it. Some may believe that a dream shift also counts as a spiritual shift (see below) especially if the dream is exceptionally vivid and/or lucid in nature.
Cameo Shift: This is a term created for use when a person experiences some kind of shift which they associate with something other than their Therio/Kintype(s). These may be transient, isolated events, or they may reoccur at irregular (but generally longer) intervals of time. Cameo shifts have been reported with plants and objects in addition to animals.
Spiritual Shift: This is a kind of loose umbrella term for situations where one's energy body/spiritual self changes shape into that of the individual's Therio/Kintype. Several phenomena are described here which may or may not be considered synonymous, depending on one’s personal belief: Astral shift This refers specifically to leaving the physical body behind to enter another reality/dimension in the form of ones’ Therio/Kintype. Some individuals may consider Dream Shifts to be a form of Astral shift, depending on their beliefs. Note: This is similar in many ways to the experiences reported by Shamans working with Power Animals, but it IS NOT directly synonymous with shamanism as a practice. Aura shift In contrast with Astral shifting, this refers to a situation where the spiritual aura/energy field enveloping the physical body itself changes into the form of ones’ Therio/Kintype, in full or in part. Note: Therians and Otherkin who have spiritual beliefs about their experiences may consider the experience of Phantom limbs as a side effect of Aura shifting, and thus, this term may or may not be considered synonymous with Phantom shifting as well.
Berserker/Feral Shift: This generally refers to a strongly dissociative experience where ones’ Therio/Kintype completely ‘takes over’ their consciousness, to the point where an individual may even lose all memory of the event. It is most commonly associated with situations of extreme stress, and/or may sometimes be linked with an underlying medical condition. Some therians do report a degree of dissociation in their normal, everyday experience as a Therian/Otherkin, but in most cases, some degree of self-control can still be maintained. Note: though many therians report having a small number of these extreme experiences in their lifetime, it is generally considered atypical. Individuals who experience this disruptive and complete loss of self control more often may benefit from seeking the advice and support of medical professionals.
Alterhuman: This very broad umbrella term originated quite recently, and was created to include any member of any community that somehow identifies as non-human. This includes Otherhearted, Furries, Vampires, Systems, and much more. It accepts anyone who identifies AS a creature, WITH a creature, or as one who is somehow CONNECTED TO a non-human entity of ANY KIND, in any way. This term was largely promoted by, and has found most of its acceptance on social media platforms. Due to the considerable problems of confusion and conflict that arise from combining so many vastly different identities in one space, "Alterhuman" is often received with scepticism and opposition by older, more experienced Therian/Otherkin communities and individuals.
Fictionkin: A person that identifies as being one or more species and/or characters shown in fictional media. Some are very character-specific, such as Sonic the Hedgehog, while others identify as a fictional species in general, like a Chao or Pokémon. Some say that Fictionkin cannot choose their types, while others claim otherwise, or suggest otherwise with their public actions. Considerable controversy surrounds the debate about whether Fictionkin should be included within Otherkin, or if it is something unrelated. In general, the concept is not well received in some circles, largely because it deviates vastly from the original descriptions given by Therians and Otherkin regarding the process of how one's' inhuman identity is explored and validated.
Coping Linkers:
People who use non-human entities as a way to cope with trauma, depression, anxiety, and general day-to-day troubles. They are not considered the same as Otherkin or Therians despite vague similarities, as these individuals have chosen their identities, and/or can associate it directly to some kind of traumatic or otherwise life changing event. The term was eventually changed from Copingkin to Copinglinker to further clarify that they are not directly associated with the Otherkin community. A significant and related debate also revolves around "Trauma genesis"; cases where Therians and Otherkin believe their state of being originated with a specific traumatic event, in this life or a past one. Some feel that these and Coping Linkers alike should be included under Therian/Otherkin definitions, but the majority tend to perceive this as a different phenomenon that just happens to look similar on the surface.
Desirekin:
Term for someone who does not feel like a specific animal but wishes to be it, even if they do not have any alter-human experiences relating to it. This term isn’t very known in the community and as such, those saying ‘alter-humanity isn't just wanting to be an animal!’, these individuals do not feel as that animal or identify with it.
Awakening:
This term, as used by Therians and Otherkin, refers to the self-discovery process of realising and accepting that you are Therian/Otherkin, and identifying your Therio/Kintype(s). Not everyone experiences a distinct awakening moment. Others piece together and accept the details of their identity gradually over time, and still others report essentially knowing all about their inhuman identity even as very young children.
Howl:
a real life gathering or meeting of Weres/Therians, usually to go camping. The term was originally used on Alt.horror.werewolves. The first “Howl”, the 1994 Harvest Howl, was organised by Smash Greywolf in Ohio, USA.
Flicker: an alterhuman/nonhuman identity that pops up briefly and then goes away.
Imprinting: one of many reasons behind/causes of alterhumanity. Basically, a child is influenced by animals in some way. maybe it's having them as a special interest, growing up with them, being saved by one, etc. This child now feels alterhuman. as a teen or adult, this can happen but it's more common in children because of their formative mental state.