Kitsust

Kitsust is a term that has emerged in online communities, particularly within fandoms and social media spaces. It refers to a perceived or actual behavior pattern where individuals express an excessive or overly enthusiastic admiration for fictional characters, often to the point of projecting romantic or deeply personal feelings onto them. This can manifest in various ways, including extensive fan art, fan fiction, and frequent online discussions about the character.

The term is often used informally and can carry a range of connotations, from lighthearted teasing to more critical commentary. Some view kitsust as a harmless and creative outlet for fans to engage with their favorite media. Others may find it to be an indication of an unhealthy attachment or a blurring of the lines between fiction and reality. The intensity and public nature of the expression are typically key factors in how the behavior is perceived.

There is no formal definition or academic study of kitsust. Its usage is primarily confined to informal online discourse. The term itself is likely a portmanteau or a neologism derived from existing words related to fandom and adoration, possibly incorporating elements from concepts like "kitsune" (a mythical fox in Japanese folklore often associated with shapeshifting and trickery, which can be a popular character archetype in anime and manga) and terms signifying intense affection or obsession. Understanding kitsust requires recognizing its context within online subcultures and the subjective nature of fan engagement.