kinning

Kinning, also known as "kin" or "kinnning," is a modern internet phenomenon primarily observed within fandom communities. It refers to the practice of identifying deeply with a fictional character. This identification can range from a casual appreciation to a profound sense of personal connection, where an individual feels they share traits, experiences, or even a spiritual essence with the character.

People who kin characters often describe it as feeling like the character is a part of them, or that they are the character in some way. This can manifest in various forms of expression, such as creating fan art, writing fanfiction, or engaging in roleplay from the character's perspective. For some, kinning is a form of self-discovery, helping them to understand their own emotions and identity by relating them to a fictional persona.

The term "kinning" originates from the word "kindred," suggesting a familial or deeply connected relationship. While it is most prevalent online, particularly on platforms like Tumblr, Twitter, and TikTok, the concept of relating to fictional characters is not new and has existed in various forms throughout history, albeit without the specific terminology of "kinning." It is important to note that kinning is generally understood as a personal experience and is distinct from identifying as the character in a literal or delusional sense.