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.

anthropoid? humanoid? animate? humanesque?

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!)

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?

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

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?)

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).

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.

"anthropl"

"anthromorph?"

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

...there's an epidemic of them, how about:

anthracts ?

cheer

the snarkwozaboojumuc

BlancheP

If inanimates can become animates, the Converse might go, too.
For example, sneakers with flashing lights make the wearer feel like an airplane.
Couldn't you say the same about anthropomorphism itself, that the anthropomorphic *image* is a two-way street?
Here, is "entthros" (en-throhss) for your considered rejection.

Hyla's "anthromorph" is perfect, IMHO. It sounds just artificial enough to imply the artificial humanity that is the hallmark of the anthromorph.

Flatlander

Yup, and it could easily be adapted to cartoon characters like Transformers.

What a week! My private mail box fuller than ever (having prodded y'all to keep it that way in a previous post), and someone saying a word I've coined before this august bunch is perfect!

Think I'll stick around.

Hyla

The only claim to bastardization I can see here is the dropping of the -po- from anthropomorph. The loss of the -ic fits well with the existing ectomorph, endomorph and mesomorph from their respective -ic forms. I vote for anthromorph, too.

Incidentally, M-W gives a stylized human figure (as in prehistoric art) as a definition for anthropomorph

This is wonderful! And so much fun. I really appreciate everybody's help with this. So far, here are the contenders:

animate
anthracts
anthro (shorthand by default)
anthromorph
anthrop
anthropoid
entthros
golem
humanesque
humankinda
humanoid
personate (suggested by a friend)
pseudoanthros

Anyone else want to weigh in? How about sharing your preference?

I'm with the masses on this one; anthromorph conveys the underlying meaning and sounds good too.

Just some of my quick gut reactions:

animate-------------------------------------------Already means something else
anthracts-----------------------------------------Sounds too much like antrhax
anthro (shorthand by default)-------------Too short, common term for anthropology
anthromorph-------------------------------------I'm leaning towards the unabrreviated anthropomorh which means what you want anyway, I think
anthrop--------------------------------------------Again, too short
anthropoid----------------------------------------Commonly used in the phrase anthropoid apes, I wouldn't want that connotation
entthros-------------------------------------------Doesn't ring right, or as our mia xara would say, doesn't taste right.
golem----------------------------------------------Already means something else, too grotesque
humanesque------------------------------------Might be OK if you're looking for an adjective, doesn't hack it as a noun
humankinda-------------------------------------Too slangy
humanoid-----------------------------------------Maybe, but definitely second to anthro(po)morph
personate (suggested by a friend)-------I was going to say something else, but this one is growing on me
pseudoanthros----------------------------------I'd drop the first o giving pseudanthros but I still don't quite like it.

Thanks to everyone who gave suggestions for this thorny problem. My colaborator and I are going to try out Hyla's "anthromorph" and see if it sticks. I'll let you all know if anything comes of our project!

Thanks much!

pseudoanthros-----I'd drop the first o giving pseudanthros but I still don't quite like it.

One can but try. {sigh}
wow

anthracts-----------------------------------------Sounds too much like antrhax

It was supposed to. (See context.)

I have to admit that, though I like my coinage, anthromorph is probably the best of the lot.

cheer

the sunshine warrior

I like this the best, too.
Note there is a children's series called "Animorphs" which may add or detract via its resonance.