hornhiding

Hornhiding is a term used to describe the act or concept of concealing horns, whether literal horns on animals or figurative horn-like appendages in art, fiction, or culture. The term is not widely standardized in scientific or veterinary literature and is typically encountered in informal discussion, fantasy, or design contexts.

In real-world contexts, related practices include dehorning or disbudding, a surgical or procedural process to remove horn tissue for safety and welfare reasons in livestock. Protective measures, such as horn caps or coverings, can temporarily conceal horns during transport or medical procedures, though these are not commonly described as “hornhiding.” In theater, film, and cosplay, makeup, prosthetics, and headgear are used to simulate or conceal horns, enabling actors to portray horned beings or to achieve character-driven disguises.

In fantasy, mythology, and role-playing communities, hornhiding often refers to plot devices or mechanics that allow horned characters to blend in with hornless populations, or to characters who can hide or retract their horns through magic, illusion, or special abilities. The concept is used to explore themes of identity, safety, and disguise.

Welfare and ethics discussions around horn concealment in livestock focus on animal welfare, the necessity and timing of dehorning, and the use of protective gear, balancing safety and wellbeing with the impacts of the procedure or equipment.

See also: dehorning, disbudding, horn sheath, prosthetic makeup, disguise.