๐ lore: noises & mannerisms
these lists are non-exhaustive, and i may reblog or edit with additions~
Pack Calls. Meant to attract the attention of pack immediatelyโwhether to alert danger, expression of loneliness or helplessness, or simply to alert to a cycle beginning. (A pup call is the same thing, though younger sounding and harder to ignore.)
Purrs. Usually an expression of happiness or contentment, but they can also be use to self-soothe or comfort. Purring promotes healing. The sound can be made unconsciously or on purpose. An alphaโs purrs tend to be low and rumbling; sometimes almost inaudible, and easier to feel than hear. Bets and omegas have more mid-toned purrs. Pups have loud, rumbly, often uneven purrs.
Growls. In betas and omegas, a growl is a warning. Alphas will growl as a threat, in play, during sex / arousal, and sometimes even when they yawnโand as such, tend to make the noise the most. Pups may also growl in play. Alphas have the deepest growls, followed by omegas. Betas have fairly mid-toned growls. Pups have tiny, high-pitched growls.
Snarls. Much like a growl, but deeper and more threatening. This isnโt just a threat or warning, but often the precursor of a fight. Snarls may also be heard during a fight.
Chuffs. A low huffing noise used as a signal to โcome here.โ Often used on pups or younger siblings. Theyโre difficult to ignore from packmatesโespecially older packmates or parents. Alphas are especially good at chuffing.
Croons. Low, musical sounds meant to comfort and reassure. Theyโre often used to help lull pups to sleep.
Trills. A high, musical sound that express happiness, joy, excitement. Adult alphas have a harder time making them, and rarely do so, but happy betas, omegas, and pups make them frequently.
Whines. A high pitched expression of sadness or discomfort. These tend to sound uniform among adults, and a little higher in pups. Pup whines, especially before speech, usually indicate hunger, lack of attention, or a need for changing.
Keens. High pitched calls of want or need, though they can also be used to express more acute painโlike grief.
Scruffing. Refers to grabbing the back of the neck, fingers touching the scent glands, and squeezing gently. This triggers a flood of submission hormones, forcibly relaxing the muscles. It can induce drowsiness. This can be comforting when done by a trusted packmate, but terrifying and unpleasant when done by a stranger. The effect lasts longer in pups, or those in their cycle.
Submission bite. Refers to biting the back or side of the neck. Like a scruff, this triggers a flood of submission hormone, though itโs much stronger. A hard enough bite can cause a mild paralysis, the limbs becoming too heavy to move. The bitee is more susceptible to orders given by the biter. In both the case of a scruff and a submission bite, the hormone can be fought, but itโs difficult. Submission bites are typically denote the end of a challenge fight. Submission bites given outside of that are considered a form of assault or abuse, as scruffing is considered a more appropriate way of dealing with any unruly or rebellious behavior. Itโs considered unconscionable for an adult to give a submission bite to a pup.
Nipping. A light bite, and a common way to express affection both platonically and romantically. Romantic partners may nip at each otherโs necks, ears, jaws, & lips. Platonic packmates may nip pack members shoulders, arms, fingers, or noses.
Scenting. An important part of pack bonding, and a way of expressing, "I'm here, I care about you, I want people to know we're connected even when we're apart." Covered in more detail here.
Claiming bites. Referring to the bite claiming someone as pack or mate. Pack bites are more like nips, and accompanied by licking, while mating bites will draw blood, and leave a scar. Pack and mate bonds are covered in more detail here.
Nuzzling. Rubbing noses is a common way of greeting close pack members. Cheeks may also be nuzzled. Romantic partners will nuzzle shoulders, backs, thighs, the back of the knee, etc. Alphas find it very comforting to have their neck/throat nuzzled.
Forehead touch. Another common greeting between close pack members, though slightly more common in romantic partners.
Head-butting. A playful variation of the forehead touch.
Wrist-brushing. Pressing the wrists together. A gesture of comfort or intimacy. Itโs also common to stroke the gland with the thumbโsomething omegas find especially comforting.
Scent-guarding. Raising the shoulders and/or lowering the chin to block the scent glands, often paired with wrapping the arms around the stomach. An expression of fear, meant to try and block or suppress oneโs scent.
Throat-baring. Lifting the chin and showing off the throat is a sign of submission. It may be done out of respect, trust, or fear, or as a way to show that one isnโt a threat. This is considered the best way to approach someone in a feral state.
Teeth-baring. Sometimes this is a warning. Other times itโs a challenge, especially when compared with snapping their teeth or snarling.
Posturing. Making oneโs self look biggerโraising the shoulders, standing up as straight as possible, maybe even bouncing up on the balls of the feet. Often combined with circling. This is often the precursor to a challenge fight. Posturing may also refer to trying to impress a potential mate, usually by making one's self look bigger / more impressive than a rival.
