typenhaku

Typenhaku is a term that has emerged in certain online communities, particularly those focused on personality typing systems such as the Enneagram or Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI). It is a portmanteau, combining "type" and the Japanese word "haku," which can translate to "white" or "purification." In the context of personality typing, typenhaku refers to a perceived state of purity or idealization associated with a particular personality type.

Individuals who identify with or are interested in typenhaku may believe that their specific personality type possesses certain inherent strengths, virtues, or a unique way of understanding the world that sets them apart. This can manifest as a form of pride or a desire to embody the perceived positive qualities of their type. Conversely, it can also lead to a dismissal or negative stereotyping of other personality types that do not align with this idealized view. The concept is not formally recognized within academic psychology but exists as a subcultural phenomenon. Discussions around typenhaku often appear in online forums, social media groups, and blogs dedicated to personality typing enthusiasts. It can be seen as an extension of type enthusiasm, where the focus shifts from simply identifying one's type to celebrating and aspiring to a perceived superior or pure form of it.