You’re walking on the street or even scrolling through social media, and you see someone in what looks like a wolf costume or mascot– the fur is vibrant and colorful, its face has a distinct cartoonish look, and it seems meticulously well-crafted. Perhaps you have even seen multiple people with such descriptions! What you might have seen is a furry–but what is a furry? Keep reading to learn more.
What is a Furry?
Broadly, the term “furry,” usually a self-identifying term, refers to an individual with a keen interest in animals, anthropomorphic (attributing/having human characteristics) characters, or both.
The term “furry” encompasses many attitudes towards animals, whether it is a strong appreciation for an animal, or having a strong identification with a certain animal. More often than not, both are true.
A hallmark of identifying as a furry is having your own “fursona (furry + persona)” or “OC (original character).” A fursona, or an OC, is a unique character made by an individual that can have many intentions, whether it is being a representation of themselves as an anthropomorphic character, or simply just being a unique anthropomorphic character they’ve created.
While the namesake of “furry” seems to refer to creatures with fur, such as a cat or dog, other animals are often included under this term, though usually categorized into a subgroup. This includes fictional creatures like dragons (“scalies”) or even animals such as sharks or birds (“avians”).
The Furry Community
Though the concept of the furry may be new to some, being a furry is not a lonely experience! The furry community has a rich history and has been around since the early 1980s, gaining traction with the popularity of anthropomorphic characters like the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles or even characters from Star Trek.
The furry community has only grown since then, with regular furry conventions held worldwide and a thriving online community across multiple social media platforms.
A major aspect of the furry community, which is perhaps what it is best known for, is art. This includes everything from illustrations of fursonas and OC’s, the art of crafting fursuits (a bodysuit designed to look like one’s fursona), animations, literature, and even music.
Diving Deeper into the Furry Community
Diving into the furry community may seem daunting, but don’t be afraid to get your paws wet! There are many online resources and communities that can further introduce you to the furry community and help you learn more, such as the furries subreddit or WhatAreFurries.com.
Conclusion
The furry community is an incredibly unique and diverse group, united by a common interest in and love for animals or anthropomorphic characters. It is a fandom built, strengthened, and upheld by thriving community engagement through various forms of art. While it may seem elaborate, there is a wealth of online resources to familiarize yourself with the community.
