Terminology 101

So I’ve seen people misusing some of these terms, sometimes in surprising ways, and thought I’d do my bit.

Fictionkin: Identifying in some way as a character or species from a fictional source, such as a novel or television show. It can be a spiritual belief, but it doesn’t have to be. The character can be an OC so identifying as a random person from a fictional universe is something that happens.

Otakukin: Outdated term for fictionkin, rarely used. While used along with the abbreviation “otakin” for many years, the use of “otaku” implying a Japanese source and strong obsession with canon led to the creation of the term fictionkin, and otakukin has slowly but surely fallen out of favour. It is rarely used today.

Mediakin: Alternate term for fictionkin, rarely used. A number of years ago, some fictionkin who were uncomfortable with the use of the word “fiction” in reference to their personal identity wanted a new term. “Media”, encompassing the various arts, was suggested. It gained a small following that lasted for a short while, but dwindled and is now rarely used.

Fictivekin: Tumblr originated, rarely used. Despite my requests for clarity, I have received no information on what this term is intended to mean. It appears to be used as another synonym for fictionkin, a portmanteau of fictive and fictionkin that may initially have been a simple mistake. To further confuse matters, it does appear to also sometimes be used as a synonym for fictive. As it has only recently been used and does not appear to serve a purpose beyond muddying the waters, I would suggest avoiding popularising it. If you have more info please let me know.

SoulBond: A robust mental or empathic connection with a fictional character. Refers to experiences as varied as actors and writers speaking to their characters or feeling like they have a presence, to people who believe their characters or the characters of others exist in another world, even living with them. Eventually came to overlap with the plural community, in a form similar to median systems.

Fictive: The term that came of that overlap. Refers to headmates in a plural system that are in some way related to fiction. May be outsourced (of canon originating elsewhere) or insourced (of canon originating with the system), see overlap with the SoulBonding community.



I had a lot of stuff thought out for a 102 section, like further examples of what some of the terms describe, a little more information about their history and how they came about and how that affects what they mean today. I am really low on spoons though and this has been sitting in my drafts so here the first part is, and if people are interested in a 102 I can try and do that.