Woof

A typical greeting among bearsDescribes a subculture and community of gay men of a specific physical type, generally more hairy and more heavyset, often projecting a working-class or hyper-masculine image through their grooming and personal style. Debate abounds as to what constitutes a true bear, and many offshoots have emerged, including wolves (lean but masculine), cubs (young bears), and otters (hairy but lean). The term bear can also be used in conjunction with many qualifiers that further subdivide the subcommunity, including LeatherLeather culture is found in all lifestyles, but among gay men it refers to practices and styles of dress organized around hedonism and eroticism ("kink"). One way this culture consciously distinguishes itself from mainstream sexual cultures is through a specifically homoerotic aesthetic that draws from post-World War II biker culture as well as military and police uniform. Leathermen art, such as Tom of Finland, represents the hypermasculine ideal. Literature like The Leatherman’s Handbook speaks to the culture and the code. The International Mister Leather organization speaks to the community. Bear, Muscle Bear, DaddyAn older gay man. He may or may not prefer the company of younger men, but if he does and if he is moneyed, he is likely to be the dominant or top in the relationship. Also, “Leather Daddy.” Bear, Panda Bear (Asian) and Polar Bear (white hair). Also see “GoldilocksA fag hag who enjoys the company of bears.,” and “Woof.” that can be used as either a greeting or while cruising. Also Grrr and Growl.

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