“When I started joining Pan at conventions, it felt like walking onto a strange planet where everyone spoke the same alien language – except me. If you don’t want to feel like a total extraterrestrial, I’ve got this list of common cosplay terms every newbie should know…” -Dah

There are countless ways to address the question, “What is cosplay?”. In this post, you’ll find an ever-growing list of “lingo” typically used within the cosplay community. Gloss over the glossary or click through the table of contents to learn at leisure.

A·ni·me

noun

• The Japanese word for any animated film or television program, regardless of its style or origin
• Outside of Japan, anime refers specifically to hand-drawn or computer-generated animations produced in Japan; stories typically originate from manga

An·i·me·ga·o Ki·gu·ru·mi

noun

• A type of masked cosplay in which cosplayers dress as an anime doll from head to toe
• Also known as “Dollers”, particularly in the U.S., their most characteristic feature is the oversized, doll-like head covering, made to look like the original character’s head
• Originating from the official stage shows of Japanese anime, animegao means “anime face”, and Kigurumi means “costumed character” in Japanese

Can·on

noun

• Source (or sources) recognized by fans as the official origin of a storyline
• Cosplay is considered “canon” when it reflects the original, official material or storyline (i.e. characters, settings, events) of a fictional universe

Chi·bi

noun, adjective

• A style of drawing characters in an exaggeratedly cute, small, and childlike form, often with oversized heads and eyes
• A Japanese slang word meaning for “small” or “short,” commonly used to refer to anything tiny and cute
• Appears frequently in anime and manga; sometimes used in cosplay to create a playful and adorable version of a character

Com·mis·sion

noun

• Custom-made costume, accessory, prop, or other piece of work created by an artist or craftsman at the request of a cosplayer
• Allows cosplayers to obtain high-quality, personalized items that they may not be able to make themselves

verb

• Act of requesting or ordering a custom piece of work from an artist or craftsman

Example: “I commissioned a custom Lolita Skirt from First Stop Cosplay!”

Con

noun

• Abbreviated form of the word “convention”
• Large gatherings or cosplay events where fans of anime, manga, comics, movies, video games, and other pop culture come together
• Events often feature panels, workshops, vendor booths, cosplay contests, and opportunities to meet creators and celebrities (i.e. Comic-Con, Wonder-Con)

Con Funk

noun

A term often used humorously to describe the unpleasant waft of body odor that can occur among attendees at a convention due to long hours, large crowds, and physical activity without sufficient hygiene; a helpful reminder of the importance of personal cleanliness at conventions

Con Mule

noun

A person who carries and transports items, such as merchandise, props, or costumes, for themselves or others during a convention; tasks can include (but are not limited to) carrying bags, managing logistics, or helping to transport large and cumbersome cosplay elements

Gift your loyal con mule this special pin!

Con Plague

noun

• A colloquial term referring to the illness that many attendees experience after (or at the end of) a convention, often due to the close quarters, lack of sleep, and exposure to a large number of people (a.k.a. “Con Crud”)
• Includes cold- or flu-like symptoms and general fatigue (nothing close to the actual plague, don’t worry!)

Con Sea·son

noun

Period during the year when most conventions take place, which can vary depending on where you are in the world, but typically lasts from late spring to early autumn

Cos·play

noun

A combination of the words “costume” and “play”, referring to the practice of creating or wearing a costume to represent a specific character from a fictional universe (i.e. movie, book, video game, anime, manga, or other form of media)

verb

The act of dressing up as a character from a fictional work

Cos·play Han·dle

noun

• A pseudonym or nickname that a cosplayer chooses to use online and at conventions, often reflecting their persona, style, or the characters they frequently cosplay
• Used for social media, forums, and other platforms where cosplayers interact and share their work

Cross·ov·er

noun

• A cosplay that merges elements of two or more characters, series, or genres (i.e. Star Wars x Sailor Moon or One Piece x Dragon Ball Z)
• A work or production that incorporates elements of different fictional universes, often featuring characters from different series or media interacting with each other (a.k.a. A mash-up)

Cross·play

noun
The practice of cosplaying as a character from a different gender than the cosplayer’s own

verb
To cosplay a character of another gender

Fur·ry

noun

A member of the furry fandom, a subculture interested in anthropomorphic animal characters with human traits and personalities; often includes creating and wearing costumes (fursuits) that represent these characters

Gen·der Bend

noun

• The practice of cosplaying a character by changing their gender (i.e. a female version of Luffy from One Piece, or a male version of the sailor scouts from Sailor Moon)
• This often involves reimagining the character's design and costume to fit the opposite gender while retaining recognizable elements of the original character

Gi·jin·ka

noun

• The anthropomorphization of non-human characters, such as animals, objects, or fictional creatures, by giving them human traits, forms, or appearances
• This style is often used in fan art and cosplay to create human versions of characters or other creatures (Pokémon, Digimon, My Little Pony, Neopets, etc.)
• A Japanese term meaning "humanization," often applied in various forms of media to depict non-human entities as human

Glomp·ing

verb

The act of enthusiastically and often spontaneously hugging or tackling someone, usually with great force and affection as a way to express camaraderie

WARNING: Glomping is no longer allowed at conventions, do not touch people without their consent, please glomp responsibly

Hall·way Cos·play

noun

A type of cosplay that is typically less elaborate and more casual, allowing for ease of movement and social interaction, often worn in the hallways of conventions rather than for formal competitions or cosplay events

Ki·gu·ru·mi

noun

An animal onesie typically made of fleece, popularized during the rise of Japanese ‘street fashion” in the 1990s, exported to the West around 1999, now an anime cosplay convention staple

Lo·li·ta

noun

• A fashion subculture originating from Japan that is inspired by Victorian and Rococo styles, characterized by elaborate dresses, petticoats, lace, and other intricate details
• There are many substyles of Lolita (i.e. ‘gothic’ Lolita, ‘aristocrat’ Lolita, ‘classic’ Lolita, ‘sweet’ Lolita, ‘steampunk’ Lolita, ‘guro’ Lolita)
• Not to be confused with Vladimir Nabokov's novel, Lolita — In Japan, the term is synonymous with sweetness, elegance, and modesty; a non-sexual ideal

 

Realize your Lolita fantasy with our FSCO Lolita Skirt Sewing Pattern!

Man·ga

noun

• Japanese comic books or graphic novels, characterized by detailed artwork and diverse storytelling styles, typically read from right to left
• Serialized in magazines and later published in collected volumes, manga covers a wide range of genres and is a significant source of inspiration for many cosplayers
• Serialization does not necessarily occur outside of Japan — for example, in America, when manga is translated after Japanese publication, it’s released in volumes

Man·hua

noun

Chinese comic books or graphic novels, known for their vibrant art and diverse genres, typically read from left to right

Man·hwa

noun

Korean comic books or graphic novels, known for their unique art style and storytelling, typically read from left to right

Mas·que·rade

noun

• A costume contest or competition held at conventions or events where participants showcase their cosplay creations; can also include skits and dance covers
• Masquerades often include judging based on craftsmanship, presentation, and performance, and they are a highlight for many cosplayers

O·C (O·ri·gi·nal Cha·rac·ter)

noun

A character created by a cosplayer or fan that is not based on existing media but rather an original creation (not to be confused with “Original Content”)

O·ta·ku

noun

• A Japanese term used to describe someone with a passionate interest in anime, manga, and related fandoms
• Otaku can refer to a fan of Japanese pop culture, particularly anime and manga, and may also extend to other interests like gaming and cosplay

Post-Con De·pres·sion

noun

A feeling of sadness, disappointment, or emotional exhaustion experienced by some attendees after a convention or event, especially if they were deeply immersed in the excitement and camaraderie of the event

Prop

noun

• Any object or accessory used by a cosplayer to enhance their costume and portray a character more accurately
• Props can range from weapons and gadgets to symbolic items and magical artifacts, and they are often crafted with attention to detail to match the character's design and story

Skit

noun

• A short performance or act presented by cosplayers during a convention or event, often as part of a cosplay competition or masquerade
• Skits can include scripted dialogues, choreographed movements, and creative interpretations of characters or stories

Walk-on

noun

A cosplayer who participates in a cosplay competition or masquerade without a rehearsed performance or skit, briefly showcasing their costumes on stage, allowing judges and the audience to see their craftsmanship and portrayal of the character

adjective

Describing a brief appearance or performance in a cosplay competition or masquerade without a scripted or rehearsed act

Web·toon

noun

Any digital comic or graphic novel published online, typically featuring a vertically scrolling format and accessible through web platforms or dedicated apps

WIP (Work in Pro·gress)

noun

• Refers to cosplay costumes, props, or projects that are currently under construction or not yet completed
• Cosplayers often share WIP photos and updates on social media to document their creative process and receive feedback from the community

Zen·tai

noun

A skin-tight bodysuit made of stretchy material, often worn by cosplayers to depict characters with full-body costumes or unusual skin colors or textures (an alternative to body paint)

Feeling Con-fident?

Every cosplayer starts as a newbie – it’s part of the fun! Knowing these terms will help you navigate the world of cosplay like a natural and strut into your next convention with total confidence.

Jumping into convention culture can feel like leaping down the endlessly fascinating rabbit hole to wonderland. That’s why we at First Stop Cosplay work to ensure you are never alone on that journey!

What are your favorite anime cosplay ideas, terms, or stories? You’ve read our take, but what is cosplay to you? Share your thoughts in the comments below and let's continue the conversation! We’d love to know the meaning of cosplay in your life.

Best Next Steps

If you’re ready to flex your new knowledge, we suggest you gear up for the next convention by crafting your very own cosplay! Check out our one-of-a-kind, easy-to-use sewing patterns by perusing our shop, or read about what comes with every pattern purchase.

Learn more about what makes First Stop Cosplay unique by clicking here, and continue exploring our FSCO Sewing Academy.

Happy cosplaying!

Written by Karina M.