| otherhearted ( n., adj.) | |
|---|---|
| Synonyms | other-hearted (n., adj.), animal-hearted (n., adj.) |
| Applies to | systems, headmates |
Otherhearted is a term that refers to having a deep connection/bond with something, such as strongly relating to it, acting like it, or understanding it, but not quite being it; identifying with instead of as something. This something is typically a non-human and/or animal species, though some may use the term to refer to fictional characters.
The specific identity of someone who is otherhearted is often called a hearttype, similar in usage to kintype, though it can also be used as something-hearted. (Ex: "I have a raccoon hearttype, so I'm raccoon-hearted.")
Related Terms
Synpath is technically synonymous with otherhearted, though it is more often used to refer to connections to fictional characters than to non-humans and/or animals.
Otherkin, therians, fictionkin, and factkin are individuals who (typically involuntarily) identify as a non-human, fictional, or factual being because of a spiritual or psychological belief. Similarly, an otherlink is a (typically voluntary) identity as a non-human, fictional, or factual being not because of a spiritual or ingrained psychological belief, but for any other reason. If the reason is to cope with something, it may also be called a copinglink. This differs from being otherhearted because kin, otherlinkers, and copinglinkers still identify as something, not just with it.
