What is an otter?

[Guest TBinCHI]

A forum friend and I were discussing proper usage of the term otter. We have slightly different ideas as to what an "otter" is in gay lingo, and Wikipedia is of no help. So, I thought I would turn to the wisdom of forum readers for help. And, if you are so inclined, I would love some examples of otters in the escort world. Thanks!

[Guest DuchessIvanaKizznhugg]

Actually, Wikipedia offers up the following definition:

 

Otter - a man who is hairy, but is not large or stocky - typically thinner, swimmer's build, or with lean muscle.

 

Check out the terminology portion here:

 

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bear_(gay_culture)

 

[NYTomcat]

Now dutchess the next question ranges on is there an age range for otters. As with twinks we normally say younger and usually non hairy smooth. So is a 20 year old hairy lean guy a twink or an otter?

 

Converse to this. some think that otters are 30-40 years old. so what happens to the aging otter? I know this is a bit tongue in cheek but I am really just trying to clarify lingo here

[Romann]

I've heard this term before but haven't asked because I feel as if I should know what it is... PLEASE DO TELL!

[NYTomcat]

OK Im glad Im not the only one unsure here. I asked someone when an otter become a bear and they just said I would know it when I see it. Sort of the supreme court pornography answer. meaning they dont know.

[AdamSmith]

so what happens to the aging otter?

 

http://www.walrus.org.uk/walrus.jpg

 

[Guest DuchessIvanaKizznhugg]

Now dutchess the next question ranges on is there an age range for otters. As with twinks we normally say younger and usually non hairy smooth. So is a 20 year old hairy lean guy a twink or an otter?

 

Converse to this. some think that otters are 30-40 years old. so what happens to the aging otter? I know this is a bit tongue in cheek but I am really just trying to clarify lingo here

 

So many questions, and I don't claim to be the best source of answers for this one. However, I've always thought that these "classifications" were in part attitudinal, and not just age/body type. I've always interpreted "twink" to be a bit of an airhead, or particularly young (child-like? childish?) in their behaviour.

 

So I'd think you could have both 20-year-old twinks and 20-year-old otters.

 

Likewise, I think there's not an age limit on an otter, so an aging otter is still an otter (or an agotter? )

 

The Gay Slang dictionary seems to agree with my take, but I'm sure there are other sources that may provide futher learning for us.

http://www.odps.org/glossword/index.php?a=term&d=8&t=6972

 

http://www.odps.org/glossword/index.php?a=list&d=8&p=5&w1=O

[foxy]

Things were so much easier when people wore kerchiefs in their back pockets. Now red on the left meant...... um.....

[KMEM]

I have never heard of a "gay" term called otter.

 

AS- I think that is a sea lion.

 

foxy-

 

Your comment cracks me up.

 

The "otter" I liked was the one in Animal House.

 

Best regards,

KMEM

[AdamSmith]

AS- I think that is a sea lion.

 

Actually, a walrus.

 

I had not heard "otter" until this thread. But now knowing the term, I've known one or two who aged into something much more like the creature above.

[KMEM]

A walrus by any other name must be a sea lion or an otter.

 

Ditto the aged into aspect.

 

Best regards,

KMEM

[Lookin]

A matter of habitat . . .

 

A walrus lives in the ocean.

A sea lion lives in the sea.

An otter likes fresh or salt water,

And a twink can come move in with me.

[Romann]

Right!

 

A walrus lives in the ocean.

A sea lion lives in the sea.

An otter likes fresh or salt water,

And a twink can come move in with me.

 

Poem and wise words of the day!

[Guest Wetnwildbear]

The term was defined to me by an Otter

 

Actually, a walrus.

 

I had not heard "otter" until this thread. But now knowing the term, I've known one or two who aged into something much more like the creature above.

 

 

I had not heard the term either till I met a guy who described himself as an Otter.

 

He told me "Otters" were generally thin - smooth - guys who liked Bears.

[Romann]

Noted.

 

He told me "Otters" were generally thin - smooth - guys who liked Bears.

 

I learn something new each day! Thanks!

[KMEM]

A walrus lives in the ocean.

A sea lion lives in the sea.

An otter likes fresh or salt water,

And a twink can come move in with me.

 

Are your feet longfellows?

 

I love it.

 

Best regards,

KMEM

[Epigonos]

This term is certainly new to me. From what I understand, at this point, my guess is that Spencer Whitman/Los Angeles would definitely qualify as an OTTER. Somebody let me know if I’ve got it correct.

[seeker630]

Otters are hairy, i think

 

I had not heard the term either till I met a guy who described himself as an Otter.

 

He told me "Otters" were generally thin - smooth - guys who liked Bears.

 

I've always heard the term used to refer to slim, hairy guys. See http://www.urbandictionary.com/define.php?term=otter or http://gaylife.about.com/cs/gaylifeglossary/g/otter2.htm

 

I'm not sure about the age aspect - I've always thought of otters as 20-30. I've also heard the terms 'wolf' used to refer to older, hairy men who are not stocky (bearish).

 

Obviously the terms are used everywhere in a consistent fashion, but - quite a menagerie!

[NYTomcat]

I've always heard the term used to refer to slim, hairy guys. See http://www.urbandictionary.com/define.php?term=otter or http://gaylife.about.com/cs/gaylifeglossary/g/otter2.htm

 

I'm not sure about the age aspect - I've always thought of otters as 20-30. I've also heard the terms 'wolf' used to refer to older, hairy men who are not stocky (bearish).

 

Obviously the terms are used everywhere in a consistent fashion, but - quite a menagerie!

 

Yeah obviously I always thought otter referred to slim hairy guys as well. but it seems there is a group of otters who are smooth and like bears. Now is that the difference between fresh and salt water LOL.

 

Lookin can have his twinks.

the otters come home with me.

But I love the poem just the same

For each has his favorite you see

 

 

.

[AdamSmith]

Are your feet longfellows?

 

Minor highjack...reminds of Rodney Dangerfield's immortal line in "Back to School," when he's in a hot tub with a gorgeous blonde coed:

 

“Oh, you’re a poetry major. Maybe you could help me straighten out my Longfellow.”

 

[Mark Gordon]

Bears & Otters

 

The bear community, along with related species such as otters, is very visible in gay Toronto, and does not hibernate in winter. Otters are admirers of bears. They are of slim or average size, usually with some facial or body hair, and of any age. Then there are cubs (young bears), polar bears or grizzlies (older bears), panda bears (Asian bears), and wolves (otters who are aggressive).

[Romann]

Variations!

 

The bear community, along with related species such as otters, is very visible in gay Toronto, and does not hibernate in winter. Otters are admirers of bears. They are of slim or average size, usually with some facial or body hair, and of any age. Then there are cubs (young bears), polar bears or grizzlies (older bears), panda bears (Asian bears), and wolves (otters who are aggressive).

 

NOW THAT WAS RICH and I about fell out of the chair reading this! BRAVO!

[NYTomcat]

Thanks mg I think that settles it for me. Had no idea how many species were involved

LOL

[Guest TBinCHI]

Thanks mg I think that settles it for me. Had no idea how many species were involved

LOL

 

Nor did I!! Thanks everyone for your help.

[+ Gar1eth]

Gay Otters!!!

 

I have never heard of a "gay" term called otter.

 

AS- I think that is a sea lion.

 

foxy-

 

Your comment cracks me up.

 

The "otter" I liked was the one in Animal House.

 

Best regards,

KMEM

 

http://www.arkive.org/media/EB/EB56ECF8-7CB1-4305-944B-C55D85D48431/Presentation.Large/photo.jpg