wholetailed

Wholetailed is a term used within certain niche communities, particularly online, to describe individuals who are perceived to exhibit extreme devotion or obsession with a particular interest, character, or fictional entity. The term is often used playfully, but can also carry negative connotations, implying a lack of balance or an unhealthy fixation. It suggests that a person's entire being, or "whole tail" of their identity, is consumed by this singular focus.

The concept is not formally recognized in psychology or any established field of study. Instead, it appears to have emerged from internet subcultures where shared passions can become intensely magnified. For instance, a fan who dedicates a significant amount of time, resources, and emotional energy to a specific fictional character, to the exclusion of other aspects of their life, might be labeled as wholetailed by others within that fandom.

While some may embrace the label with a sense of pride in their deep engagement, others may find it dismissive or judgmental. The intensity of the perceived obsession is subjective and can vary widely depending on the observer's perspective and their own level of engagement with the same interest. It is important to distinguish between enthusiastic fandom and genuinely detrimental obsessions that may impact an individual's well-being.