Katked

Katked is a neologism that has appeared in several online communities and indie publications since the early 2020s. It lacks a single, widely accepted definition, and its meaning tends to vary by context. In general, katked is associated with cat imagery, whimsy, and a DIY or subcultural aesthetic.

Origins are uncertain. The term appears to be a portmanteau of "cat" and a past tense suffix, with influence from stylized spellings common in online spaces. Independent posts and zines have used katked without connecting it to a formal lineage.

Usage is variable. As a verb, katked can mean to decorate, modify, or curate a space, object, or image with cat motifs. As an adjective, it may describe something that has a playful, feline-inspired character. In practice, examples appear in art projects, clothing designs, and micro-publications rather than mainstream media.

Variants and related terms include catified or cat-inspired language, though these terms have separate histories. Some writers distinguish katked by a more ironic or allusive use of cat imagery, rather than straightforward catification.

Because katked is not established in major reference works, definitions continue to evolve with usage in online discourse and small-circulation publications. See also cat, neologism, and internet slang.