Copinglink

A copinglink, or C'Linker, is someone who chooses to create, and identify as, a non-human persona (usually in the form of an animal) as a coping mechanism, usually due to trauma. This term was coined by Who-Is-Page around September 2015 on Tumblr.

"I came up with the term around 6 months ago. It was/is meant to replace “copingkin” (as in, people who knowingly created coping mechanisms identifying with/as something, so I suppose there’s your definition) as “copingkin” implies some form of otherkin, which…it isn’t. The coping part is meant to signify the coping mechanism, obviously, and the “link” part is just meant to show an association and connection between the person and whatever their created mechanism ties them to."

Someone can be a therian, or any other non-human identity, and can still choose to be a copinglink.

Copinglink is different to therianthropy (that is formed due to trauma), due to copinglinkers choosing to identify as a non-human

Copinglink is different from otherlink due to the fact that copinglinks choose their identity as a coping mechanism. Otherlinks choose to be non-human for reasons other than it being a coping mechanism

The Official Definition

The official definition of the C’linker and Copinglink identity, written by Who-Is-Page on the 23rd of February, 2016

"Alright, alright. So look. I’ve seen some people claiming bullshit about the term I created 6 months ago. So, as the creator of the word in question, I’m laying down an ~official definition~, not just a “well it kinda means this, but…” or anything like I’ve done before, but a legitimate “THIS is how I’m going to professionally and fully define the word,” scenario. It should also be noted that someone can be a c’linker, and otherkin and/or otherhearted–you just aren’t otherkin (or otherhearted?) because of your copinglink. (Just want to reiterate past the definition that this is not geared towards psychological-identifying otherkin’s ‘kin identities and explanation, before someone starts shouting.)

Copinglink, n. (Tumblr comm.; Coined by Who-is-Page/Stormygio) [E. coping referencing to the early use of “copingkin” + E. link create or imply a connection between. Pl. Copinglinks.]

1. A non-human identity (or in some cases, relation) which is consciously created. The creator is able to change and pick who/what they identify as/with as need dictates. This identity can be created by anyone, and thus, is not dictated by one’s mental health.
2. A consciously created coping mechanism which centers around knowingly, willingly, and actively identifying as (or in some cases, with) the user’s choice of a non-human entity.
3. (2017) A (fictitious) human identity which is taken on as consciously created coping mechanism.

Syn. Coping-link, C-link

Also see: C’linker, Linktype (?)"