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Glossary of Kigurumi Terms

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B​

Bishoujo Kigurumi​

Definition: Literally "beautiful girl costume (kigurumi)" in Japanese.

Context: Basically the "proper" term for kigurumi mask costumes, at least of feminine characters.

Related: Kigurumi

Bobblehead​

Definition: An endearing term for a kigurumi, jokingly as the masks are larger than a normal human head. Sometimes used to refer to an insufficiently padded mask.

Uncommon Term

C​

Coser​

Definition: Shorthand term for a cosplayer. Not specific to Kigurumi.

D​

Doller​

Definition: A kigurumi performer, relating to the doll-like nature of kigurumi, akin to #coser.

Uncommon Term

E​

Eyeports aka Viewports​

Definition: The openings through which a wearer sees. They may be hidden in a brow crease, eye mesh, pupils, or other dark details.

Related: Mask basics

F​

Faceplate​

Definition: A swappable front portion of a Kigurumi Mask, usually providing a different expression.

Context: Allows for different expressions used with the same base mask and wig.

Related: Mask basics

Furkig​

Definition: A mask style that combines elements associated with Kigurumi Masks and kemono furry designs.

Context: An alternative to fursuits that are often more accessible cost-wise, easier to transport, and generally cooler in temperature compared to a full fursuit.

G​

Gamer posture​

Definition: When a mask does not have sufficient padding at the front for the wearer, leading the mask to give the appearance of a hunched over posture.

Related: Neck eater

Uncommon Term

H​

Hadatai (肌タイ)​

Definition: A snug-fitting bodysuit made for Kigurumi Mask cosplay, commonly in a skin tone coordinated with the mask.

Context: Creates a seamless base for the character's skin tone and smooths out any padding or shapewear.

Related: Hadatai basics

Handler​

Definition: A trusted person who helps a Kigurumi Mask performer navigate and communicate with others during a convention or event.

Related: Handler's Guide

K​

Kig fan​

Definition: A fan of Kigurumi Mask cosplay. Some communities use the phrase negatively for intrusive or boundary-crossing behavior by someone a bit too enthusiastic about the hobby without ever actually kigging themselves. Context: Most who enjoy kigurumi are not "kig fans", but every "kig fan" is a fan of kigurumi.

Kignapped (Kignap / Kignapping)​

Definition: Playful slang for consensually letting someone try a Kigurumi Mask costume.

Context: Much as the term might have implications of ambiguous consent it is generally used in a playful and consensual manner. It'd be near impossible to put someone into a hadatai and mask if they didn't want to be, nor would it be okay to force them into it.

Uncommon Term

Kigpill (Kigpilling)​

Definition: Introducing someone to Kigurumi Mask cosplay in a way that sparks their interest.

Uncommon Term

Kigurumi (着ぐるみ)​

Definition: A full body costume. In the focus of this wiki, an anime styled one that includes a mask and a hadatai. Sometimes shortened to Kig or Kigu.

Context: Depending on context, it may refer to the costume, the style, or the performer.

Related: What is Kigurumi

Kigurumi Mask​

Definition: The titular mask of a kigurumi costume, the most involved component of kigurumi cosplay.

Kigurumi performer​

Definition: The kigurumi wearer themselves.

Context: One of several words that refers to people who don a kigurumi mask and hadatai.

L​

Laowai Tax​

Definition: Informal slang for a higher price for international orders that may reflect translation, payment processing, export handling, customer support, or international shipping.

Context: A proxy service may expose domestic pricing but adds its own fees, communication limits, shipping steps, and buyer-protection tradeoffs. Do not assume every price difference has the same cause.

Layering​

Definition: The technique of combining shapewear, body padding, a Hadatai, and other pieces to create the intended character silhouette.

Related: Padding theory

N​

Neck eater​

Definition: A mask that sits too low because its size or insufficient interior padding, covering the wearer's neck entirely.

Uncommon Term

P​

Padding​

Definition: Foam, silicone, latex, or other forms worn under a Hadatai to adjust the costume's silhouette.

Context: Combines with shapewear to achieve the desired character appearance.

Related: Padding theory

(Mask) Padding​

Definition: Padding inside a Kigurumi Mask that stabilizes the shell and aligns the viewports.

Context: Used to avoid the mask being a neck eater or giving the appearance of a gamer posture.

S​

Shapewear​

Definition: Supportive or compressive clothing worn under a Hadatai to adjust one's silhouette or smooth out any padding.

Context: Combines with padding to achieve the desired character appearance.

Related: Padding theory

Z​

Zentai​

Definition: A broad term for a generic full-body suit, oft made of a blend of spandex and nylon. Often a more reflective finish than a hadatai, coming in a wide variety of vivid colors and with less focus on a perfectly form fitting custom design.

Related: Hadatai basics

Terms that vary by region​

Some labels have different histories or connotations across languages and communities.

  • Animegao or Animegao Kigurumi

Definition: Anime face

Reasoning: Literally “anime face.” A term invented by a random wikipedia user that for one reason or another found some limited use. The term in some circles became an overseas label for anime-styled Kigurumi Mask cosplay, although it has largely fallen out of use in more recent years.

The Japanese Wikipedia page describes Animegao as an overseas-specific term.

A history of the term Animegao Kigurumi examines its use in more detail.

  • Kiger

Definition: A shorthand term for a Kigurumi Mask performer, often used in Chinese and sometimes Japanese contexts.

Reasoning: The spelling can resemble an English-language slur, especially if altered with a second "g". Do not assume harmful intent when someone uses the established term in another language or cultural context, but probably avoid using it in English contexts. Related: See Coser

Context: Non-English origins and contexts, non-english audiences do not have the same connotations around such phrasing as western audiences would For better or worse, it's an established term to shorten the term of someone who performers kigurumi.

Additional Resources​

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This glossary is continuously updated. If you notice a term that should be added or corrected, please contribute to our community knowledge base.