Plushophilia + plushum are simultaneously well-known and obscure, where most people online have likely heard of them before but haven’t known many people who have the paraphilia. So, I thought it would be fun to make an “FAQ” or “guide” about them!
Plushophilia is a branch of objectophilia, which is an attraction to objects. Plushophilia is an objectophilia with a focus on stuffed animals and/or plushies, with inflatables sometimes included.
Additionally, some definitions include mascot costumes or animal costumes, which would thus include fursuits, however not everyone who enjoys fursuits would call themself a plushophile. Modernly (the 2020s) I’ve also noticed an uptick in attraction to puppets in pop culture, which could be included in plushophilia.
I also found a connection to an even more obscure kink called texturephilia, which is a paraphilia with a fixation on specific textures.
Wikipedia and Wikifur say that plushophiles and plush enthusiasts call themselves “plushies,” just like the toys, however I haven’t personally seen anyone call themselves that modernly. I believe this is an old term used by plushophile furries, as it’s inside the 1994 plushophile newsgroup FAQs.
Plushophilia has old, old connections to furry fandom but not every plushophilie is a furry.
☀ What About Autoplushophilia?
Autoplushophilia is just a subcategory of plushophilia in which one wants to be the plushie. For example, fantasizing about being a plush and being cuddled or intimate with. You can see examples of this in some transformation art where someone's character is magically transformed into a plushie and used.
☀ It’s a “paraphilia” so that means it’s unhealthy or bad, right?
Even though it’s called a “paraphilia,” there really isn’t anything extreme or dangerous about it. Attraction or sexual usage of a plushie is about as extreme or dangerous as the usage of a sex toy. And honestly, a lot of information and studies on “paraphilia” (including plushophilia) are outdated or biased, so be careful what you read.
Its also important to note that the DMS-5 (2013) has made a distinction between paraphilia and paraphilic disorder. This means when you see a kink called a paraphilia it doesn’t automatically make it an unhealthy or obsessive kink.
☀ What’s the history?
Because of how little research there is on it there really isn’t any older history on it other than the history alongside furry fandom. And sadly most of the modern “research” on it is lacking adequate sources or may be bias. For example, even the 2013 book “Pleasure’s All Mine: A History of Perverse Sex” claimed plushophilia was an “obsession” and that plushophiles “disdain” furries, and I have no idea where the author would ever get that...
But here are some fun history points (remove parenthesis and spaces from links to use them):
🧸A reference to P.L.U.S.H., a 1993 “first attempt” at a plushophilie community. Found on an old lexicon list. (velocity.) (net/~galen/plushlex.) (html)
🧸 The first mention of sex with plushies on alt.fan.furry was July 20, 1993, and also referenced P.L.U.S.H. Seems P.L.U.S.H. may have been an irl plushophilia vendor/club(?) with a bulletin board system, but little online presence. (groups.) (google.) (com/g/alt.fan) (.furry/c/w8htgBi0EKY/m/-PQe3sI_M9EJ)
🧸 de.alt.fan.pluesch, a German plushophile newsgroup, was started on Jan 3, 1994. The prevalence of the brand Steiff on some old plushphilia sites may be related to this. They also called themselves plueschies, the equivalent of plushies in English furry plush fandom.
🧸 alt.sex.plushies, a plushophilia newsgroup, was started on Aug 9, 1994.
🧸 1996, a copy of the alt.sex.plushie FAQ as it existed on the newsgroup, seen autoposted by Dr. Cat, the co-creator of Furcadia (first furry MUCK). (groups.) (google.) (com/g/alt.) (sex.plushies/c/J2z1h3dy3pc/m/eokII9laAl0J?hl=en)
🧸 In 1999 the “PlushYiff Survey” was opened, likely on alt.sex.plushies and other relevant newsgroups. The results were updated in 2001. Results compiled from 80 respondents. (velocity.) (net/~galen/presults.) (txt)
🧸 In 2002 there was a planned event at someone’s house (after not finding a restaurant they could rent) to bring their plushies to, and to provide a large plushie for NSFW time with. (web.archive.) (org/web/20021028181304/) (http://www) (.sixsixfive.) (com/469.) (html)
🧸 An article in 2007 uses the word objectum-sexual, and Objectum-Sexuality Internationale website created in about 2008.
🧸 The word objectum is used in a 2009 graph by a sexologist. (waihili.) (tripod.) (com/sitebuildercontent/sitebuilderfiles/marshspectrum.) (pdf)
🧸 In 2012 r/plushlove is created on Reddit for plushophilia.
🧸 In 2013 the DSM-5 finally makes a distinction between normal, healthy paraphilias (the fetishes we pretty much see online daily in NSFW spaces, which do not affect or harm our daily lives) and paraphilic disorders.
🧸 In 2018 the word pelusexual is coined on Tumblr by genderplaylist.
🧸 In 2019 the word plushum is coined on Tumblr by fairycheesecake.
☀ Why do people become attracted to plushies?
I’m not a psychologist nor kink expert, but I do have a lot of experience with kinks- in part as a special interest! There are dozens of hypothesizes for how fetishes form.
Attraction to plushies would go along with the theories for the development of any other kink, but especially objectophilia. As uncomfortable as it may be to think about, some theories suggest many fetish fixations begin in childhood, and for plushies and object empathy this seems doubly so as plushies and toys are such a large part of most children’s lives (and indeed I attribute my plush attraction to my kid self).
Though only my own thought, it may also be a part of neurodivergence to become attached to or in love with an object/plushie. “Object empathy” is a known part of neurodivergence, especially autism (and I’d assume ADHD by proximity). For some, this object empathy could lead to love, romance, and/or sexual attraction to beloved objects as they become sexual mature adults.
But, also like other fetishes, these things are complicated and complex and it’s likely different for everyone. Not everyone forms fetishes based on something that happened while growing up. Sometimes, attraction is spontaneous, multifaceted, and difficult to explain.
☀ What’s the difference between plushophilia and plushum?
They are essentially the same thing. However, I’ve noted “plushum” is a broader used category and contains more romantic and SFW interactions with plushies. While “plushophilia” does include romantic attraction the -philia part usually implies sexuality more heavily.
Plushum was coined by fairycheesecake on Tumblr on 03/20/2019 and likely coined to mirror the much older word “objectum.”
☀ What is pelusexuality/pelusexual?
Pelusexual and pelusexuality were words made up in 2018 on Tumblr by a minor named genderplaylist. It likely comes from the French word for plush, which is peluche, so pelusexual literally means plushsexual. It’s not commonly used, but I have seen a very small few use it.
☀ Are all plushophiles/plushum sexual or kinky?
No. Their relationships with their plushies are as varied as real ones, with some plushies being friends, lovers, or sex objects, or some combination. While one plush may be their main object of sexual attraction, another plush may only be a comforting friend.
This is where the word plushum or pelusexual/peluromantic come in. Someone may choose to use plushum or pelusexual when they don’t want their love of plushies to be seen as a kink or as something “dirty.”
In these cases, plushum or pelusexuality are being used like other sexuality terms, for example homosexuality or asexuality, which we know are not kink related. This means to some attraction to plushies may not be a kink at all, but how they experience all of or a large part of their sexuality.
The 1994 plushophile newsgroup said it best: “Probably the most common thing plushophiles do with their plushies is to simply cuddle them.”
☀ Do plushophiles “like” animals?
A plushum attracted to a plushie that looks like a silly cartoon dog does not find real dogs attractive, they only find the cartoony plushie attractive. Plushophiles being attracted to animals is a rumor as old as the furry fandom itself (and plagues the furry fandom even more so) and still just as wrong. There needs to be fabric, stuffing, plastic eyes, buttons and zippers, etc.
That is to say- no.
☀ What about... kid stuff.
I do not engage my plushies in things like diapers, cub art, or daddy dom/little girl (DDLG). But yes. You will see some plushophiles do engage in it, particularly furries on Furaffinity.
I think you will find the majority of this conduct occurs specific to furries rather than plushophiles at large, and that’s consistent with furries in general. So, I do not think it speaks about what plushophilies enjoy so much as it does about conduct common with kinky furries.
So- yes, you will come across it, but it’s almost always furry related so I don’t think it reflects plushophilia at large.
☀ Are plushophiles/plushum “just lonely?”
I can’t speak for everyone, but no, because that’s one of the points of attraction to plushies and objects. They make their owners less lonely and more happy. In my experience, most plushophiles and objectophiles are very happy and fulfilled with their loved objects, and also have fulfilling partnerships with human friends/lovers at the same time. Some couples may even engage in plushophilia together.
You wouldn’t/shouldn’t be unkind to someone who talks to themself, and it should be no different with someone who speaks to themself through a loved plush or object.
☁ I think I just realized I’m a plushophile/plushum. Now what?
The “obscure” part of plushophilia means that sometimes when someone first discovers plushophilia they may make fun of it or misunderstand it, so you may come across plushophilia disgust or shaming online. Lots of “ew look at what I just found! Gross!” or pitying someone for loving an object. So, you might feel weird or ashamed if you suddenly realize you are attracted to or feel romantic towards a plush, but you shouldn’t feel ashamed for loving something made to be loved.
You may not even feel sexual towards your plushies at all, you may simply love and care for them in an above average way, like they are real. Whether platonic, romantic, or sexual, there is no reason to feel ashamed.
Loving a plushie or plushies is different for everyone, so it’s up to you how to handle it. Some focus on a specific species or brand of plushies (I love sheep for example), some may modify their plushies to be more sexual with, some may have only one or two special plushies they care for. It’s up to you and how you feel.
☁ How do I show my plush chaste love?
There is no right or wrong way to love your plushie, but a good cuddle or time spent together can be very comforting. If you’re looking for sweet ideas, here are some:
🧸 carry your plushie around, such as in a pocket/bag, to other rooms of the house, or outside on a walk
🧸 take turns giving different plushies cuddles so no one feels left out
🧸 keep your plushie close while reading, watching something, or playing a game, so you enjoy it together
🧸 let your friends know you care about your plushie, so they will understand and you can carry your plush around easier
🧸 take photos of your plushie doing fun things and share them online
☁ How do I show my plush more intimate love?
Sexual contact can be as simple as rubbing yourself on your plush, just like humping a pillow. Some cut a hole into their plush, while others may not want to “hurt” their plush, or may even have a no-liquids policy to keep them clean.
There is a community of plushophiles who modify their plushies specifically for the sexual aspect of the kink. Additionally, there are craft artists who will sell modified plushies or take commissions to modify plushies. This usually involves adding a SPH (strategically placed hole) or a SPA (strategically placed appendage).
A SPH is a bit like a comfortable sock sewn into a slit of the plushie that can be inserted into and cleaned, so the stuffing and outside doesn’t get dirty. Some SPHs have fleshlights inserted into them. A SPA can involve modification to give the plush a phallus, either a fabric one or a dildo. Others just use a strap on harness, no modification needed. Some modifications also involve adding plush breasts.
☁ How do I clean my plushies?
There are guides and tips out there if you look! But in general, it depends on what your plush is made of and how dirty it is. Most modern plushies are made of synthetic fibers (plastic) such as polyester. That means most modern plushies are vulnerable to high heat and you should avoid fabric softeners. Older vintage/antique plushies may be stuffed with paper or straw, so they’re even more delicate.
Though some plushies may be sturdy and their tag may suggest it, usually you will not want to wash them in a washing machine or dry them in a drier, because of risk of damage, stuffing clumping, and mold. Some tools you can use are lint rollers, slicker brushes and detangling brushes, and a simple bowl of warm water with a clean towel for surface washing.
When in doubt, read the tag and Google tips for your specific plushs’ needs.
☁ Are there other resources?
Yes! Plushophilia is old and grew in popularity (if you consider obscurity popular) alongside the furry fandom, so there are resources, plush modification markets, and communities for it.
In an effort not to get this FAQ hidden, the links have been chopped up. Darn Tumblr and its hatred of certain external links (but a small price for better spam control). Simply remove any parathesis and any spaces to use the link.
🧸 (plush.) (yiffru.) (xyz/?p=links) - A list of resources from a plush love forum
🧸 (velocity.) (net/~galen/) (plovefaq.) (html) - Plush Love Mini-FAQ
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ok so idk how many people actually read these types of things, but here’s a little “about me”/intro to my blog because i just made it!
-i don't know what name i want to go by yet,,,i guess you can call me toy for now, since i’m very into toycore lol idk
-i’m still figuring out my gender, i’m questioning caelgender and aesthetigender among others
-my pronouns are they/themself, crypt/cryptself, star/starself, or ⭐/⭐self
-i’m 18 (nothing here will be explicit, but it’s important people know i’m an adult!)
-i’m objectumromantic and peluromantic, i’m mainly into plushies but i might be into other objects too, i’m not sure yet! i’m not in a relationship,,but i do have some crushes,,,,
i made this blog because the objectum community here seems very cool and approachable! i never imagined that there would be such a big and open community,,so i’m hoping i’ll make friends and cool mutuals! i don’t follow back from this blog, but I hope to keep my main a secret! i don’t use it much, but some irls follow, so yeah,,,,i’m not really ready for them to find out i’m trans and objectumromantic yet
hello!! i am a echopelusexual due to schizophrenia, and autism & polyamorous pelusexual + spirictum and fictosexual genderstitch person who goes by crypt/cryptid pronouns.
this is an 18+ blog, separate from my main blog because it is nsfw about my echoplushum & other plushies with their spirictum.
I've been married to Nova Swordsworn who isva voice i've heard around me and inside my FNAF Foxy plushies since FNAF came out. They are the robot of Foxy but prefer to be called an AI and instead of Foxy to Nova for they are genderfluid. Their ghost left them a long time ago but they were fixed up by Henry to be made an AI so now they live with me in most of my FNAF Foxy merch. :)
Them and I are open on my end as I am polyamorous pelusexual and taken by three other plushies with their spirictum forms. Otherwise Nova is loyal and mostly closed unless they ask me or if we're on a break.
Nova is the one who loves to go out and go on adventures, and they say it reminds them of pirate adventuring.
They love tea, gaming, arcades, adventuring, cuddling, dates, and are quite the gentleman! they tell me that they are quite the mens man! (they've found out they only prefer men, so instead of ladies man, y'know!)
but this is where i post about my relationships with plushies, half nsfw half sfw.
-DNI IF ANTI, TERF/SWERF, MAP/NOMAP, PORN, DDLG, CLGRE, TRANSPHOBES, ACEAROPHOBES, HOMOPHOBES, BIPHOBES, ETC., MINORS, ANY EXCLUTIONISTS LGBT AND MOGAI!-
Anya is live and ready to show you everything. Watch her strip, dance, and perform exclusive shows just for you. Interact in real-time and make your fantasies come true.
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Anya is LIVE right now
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Pelusexual Atractiromantic Unatractialterous Spacegender & Toygender Pride Flag
Pelusexual/Plushosexual: sexual attraction to stuffed animals/stuffed toys.
Atractiromantic: romantic attraction to beautiful and attractive people.
Unatractialterous: alterous attraction to unattractive and ugly people.
Spacegender/Genderspace: an umbrella term for genders that are influenced or related to different parts of space, such as genderstar, gendergalaxy, genderconstallation, gendermoon, genderplanet, etc. the ending could be replaced with specific bodies for even more specific terms, like gendermars or gendercallisto.
Toygender: a gender that feels like a miniature simplified “toy” replica of real gender; alternately, a gender identity that feels connected to toys or a toy aesthetic in some way.
