Furry (adjective): Describing something that is covered in fur or hair, especially referring to animals, objects, or materials resembling fur.
Furry (adjective): Used to describe something that feels soft, plush, or textured like fur.
Furry (noun): A person who is part of the furry subculture, which involves an interest in anthropomorphic animals, often by wearing costumes or participating in online communities centered around this theme.
History and Origin
The term “furry” has its origins in the word “fur,” which comes from the Old French word forrer (to line with fur) and the Latin furra (a type of fur). The specific use of “furry” in relation to anthropomorphic animals dates back to the 1980s, when the “furry fandom” began to form around interest in art, stories, and role-playing involving human-like animals.
Detailed Explanation
Furry (adjective): In its general sense, “furry” refers to anything that is covered with fur. This is commonly used to describe animals like cats, dogs, or rabbits, but can also refer to things that resemble or are made of fur, such as plush toys or costumes.
Furry (subculture): The term also refers to a specific community of people known as “furries,” who have a strong interest in anthropomorphic animals (animals with human characteristics such as walking on two legs or talking). Members of the furry fandom often create and wear elaborate animal costumes known as “fursuits” or engage in artwork, writing, and online communities focused on anthropomorphism.
Furry as a texture: When describing a texture or feeling, “furry” may refer to something soft or plush, like the surface of a stuffed animal, a blanket, or certain types of clothing.
Furry fandom: The furry fandom is a global community that celebrates anthropomorphism through various forms of art, role-play, and conventions. Participants in this culture often adopt “fursonas,” which are fictional characters based on anthropomorphic animals, and may dress up in fursuits to bring their characters to life.
Example Sentences
The cat was soft and furry, with a thick, luxurious coat.
He wore a furry jacket to keep warm in the winter weather.
After the rain, her dog came inside with muddy paws but still looked adorable with his furry tail wagging.
The stuffed bear was very furry and comforting, making it the perfect cuddle toy.
She loved the furry texture of the blanket and wrapped herself in it on cold evenings.
At the convention, many people proudly wore their furry costumes to showcase their characters.
He became involved in the furry community after discovering art and stories featuring anthropomorphic animals.
The artist specializes in creating furry characters for comics and graphic novels.
His fursona was a wolf with blue fur and a mischievous personality.
Synonyms with Short Explanation
Fluffy: Similar to furry, describing something light, soft, or covered in soft fibers, often used for animals or textiles.
Hairy: Covered in hair or fur, often used to describe both animals and things that resemble fur.
Plush: Soft and luxurious in texture, often used for fabric or toys resembling furry items.
Feathery: Light, soft, and delicate in texture, similar to furry but typically used for things resembling feathers.
Velvety: Soft and smooth in texture, resembling the feel of velvet, which can be a type of furry texture.
Related Words with Short Explanation
Anthropomorphism: The attribution of human characteristics to animals, often a central theme in the furry fandom.
Fursuit: A costume worn by furries, designed to resemble an anthropomorphic animal.
Fursona: A personal character adopted by members of the furry community, typically an anthropomorphic animal with distinct traits.
Plushie: A stuffed animal toy, often covered in soft, furry material.
Furry fandom: The global community of individuals who share an interest in anthropomorphic animals, including art, stories, and role-playing.
More Matches with Short Explanation
Cuddly: Soft and pleasant to hold, often used for furry animals or toys.
Coated: Covered with a layer of fur, similar to furry in describing animals or objects.
Shaggy: Having a rough or unkempt fur, often used for animals with thick coats.
Soft: Pleasantly smooth or plush to the touch, a characteristic often associated with furry items.
Matted: Describes fur that is tangled or stuck together, sometimes used for animals that need grooming.
Antonyms
Bald: Lacking fur or hair, the opposite of being furry.
Smooth: Lacking texture or fluffiness, the opposite of furry when describing a surface.
Hard: Having a rigid or firm texture, unlike the softness typically associated with furry things.
Rough: Having a coarse texture, in contrast to the softness of furry items.
Bare: Lacking any covering or fur, often used to describe skin or surfaces without any fur or hair.