Bear Terminology

Where have I been? I've heard of the bear subculture in the gay world but I had no idea they had their own terminology. I'm such a ditzy queen! What's a bear? A hairy, not-so-thin gay man. Still confused? This poet is a bear. And so is this poet. But not this poet. Got it? Good. Some might say I'm a bear. I'm not hairy but I'm not-so-thin. Growl!!

UPDATE: This poet is also a bear.

Bear Terminology

bear - a man with a beard or van Dyke, typically with a hairy chest and body and a stocky or heavyset build; often older (or older looking) and displaying a masculine appearance and mannerisms.

chaser - a term that refers to someone who is not a bear, cub, or otter, but is sexually or romantically attracted to them (this term is often used in various communities to describe an outsider who has sexual attraction to people within that community).

cub - a younger (or younger looking) version of a bear, typically but not always with a smaller frame. The term is sometimes used to imply the passive partner in a relationship.

daddybear - is an older more husky guy sometimes looking for a daddy/son relationship or a Bearcub.

panda bear - an Asian bear.

muscle bear - a muscular bear.

muscle cub - a muscular cub.

otter - a man who is hairy, but is not large or stocky - typically thinner, or with lean muscle.

papa bear - see daddybear.

polar bear - is an older guy with white or grey fur/beard.
pocket bear - shorter bear.

pocket protector - taller bear.

manatee - heavyset, hairless bear (usually derogatory)

sugar bear - a "sugar daddy" bear; a bear who wants the company of a younger or more traditionally attractive male or "chaser" in exchange for favors/gifts

woof! - A greeting sometimes used when a bear spots another bear in public and wants to express physical attraction. He will make a growling noise ("Grrrr!") or say "Woof!"

fluffy - A camp or effeminate bear (also sometimes used as a derogatory name for bears)