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#23877 03/20/01 07:29 PM
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A challenge: I'm currently writing about anthropomorphism and I need a better, shorter, wittier way to say "anthropomorphic being." We're surrounded by them: from Mickey Mouse to the smiling Mac icon (are emoticons anthropomorphic typographic characters?), but, oddly, there's no single word or nickname to describe them. At least that I know of….

Preëmptive YART alert: there's an old thread about anthropomorphic inanimate objects, but I need a word for anything that's been anthropomorphized. And besides, no one could think of anything.



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anthropoid? humanoid? animate? humanesque?

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that because micky mouse -- a cartoon character is very different that the icons--smiley faces..

what kind of anthropomorphic being-- is it a holo (hologram)? or a toon? (roger rabbit?) or slightly sexual camel?
and if it a story about a collection of such images-- it might be time to coin your own word...
(Don't ask me!)



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The writing I'm doing is about all anthropomorphic creatures: animal, vegetable, mineral, celestial bodies and spiritual ones. I'm going to have to refer to them as a group over and over -- I desperately need a short form. And I think the English language needs a word, cause these our culture is crawling with these guys! The best I've been able to come up with is "humankinda," a portmanteau word.

Maybe there's a word in another language?



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you could, I suppose, borrow the Hebraic golem, an artificially created human supernaturally endowed with life.


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Dear tsuwm, It's my understanding that a golem can take on a life separate from it's "creator's" intention and is often an ugly spirit which can and usually does great harm and the "creator" is not immune.
Where is Shoshannah when we need her?
wow

How about pseudoanthros (fake humans?)

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Recognizing that it's a bit of a bastardization, how about "anthromorph?"

Rather than nouning the verb, this would be nouning the adjective (and dropping out a few letters for pronounceability).


#23884 03/21/01 03:52 AM
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you could, I suppose, borrow the Hebraic golem, an artificially created human supernaturally endowed with life.

Composed of dust and once, at least, one was made to protect his people.

It's my understanding that a golem can take on a life separate from it's "creator's" intention and is often an ugly spirit which can and usually does great harm and the "creator" is not immune.

The Maharal's was only sad. It has been said, if not recently then not too long ago, that *that* golem is a heap of dust in a box in the attic of the Great Synagogue in Prague.


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"anthropl"


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"anthromorph?"

Yep, I'm with you Hyla. It has the right taste and rhythm.


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