What's a Twunk? Definition, When to Use & More

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A guide to twunks, twinks, bears & more queer identity terms
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Have you seen the word “twunk” popping up online? This slang term in the LGBTQ+ community is actually a combination of the words “twink” and “hunk,” and typically describes a young, thin, but well-toned or muscly queer man. Read on to learn more about twunks, when it's appropriate to use the term, and what the difference is between a twink and a twunk.

Twunk Definition

“Twunk” is a slang term for a young, slim, but muscular gay or queer man. It comes from a combination of the words “twink,” which refers to a young, slender gay man, and “hunk,” a slang term for a handsome, muscly man. You might use this word to describe yourself or someone else (if they’re comfortable with it).

Section 1 of 4:

What does “twunk” mean?

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    Twunk is a combination of “twink” and “hunk”—it’s basically a guy who might be seen as more feminine than masculine, but who also has muscles. Imagine a younger, queer man with a clean-shaven appearance, defined biceps, and abs. [1]
    • A “hunk” is an older slang word that describes a handsome, well-built man. [2] A “twink” typically refers to an attractive, young, slender gay man. [3]
    • Celebs like Olympic diver and gold medalist Tom Daley have been described as a “twunk.” [4]
    • Although twunk was popularized and frequently refers to gay or bisexual men, people who identify as non-binary and other queer folks might also use this term to describe themselves.
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Section 2 of 4:

Using “Twunk” in Context

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    While people in the LGBTQ+ community use terms like “twunk,” they have also been used in derogatory ways to stereotype people, so it’s important to ask if the person is comfortable with that label first. [5] If they say it’s okay, you might call them a twunk when you’re describing them.
    • “He says he’s a total twunk, but I told him he doesn’t have enough muscles to be called that.”
    • “I met this super cute twunk online, want to see a picture of him?”
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    If you feel like the slender-but-muscular description fits you well, you might reference yourself as a “twunk” when talking to other people. You might also use this as a hashtag on social media posts or in your dating bio.
    • “After I started hitting the gym, I totally transformed from a twink to a twunk.”
    • “If you’re looking for a lovable twunk who likes hiking and playing video games, I’m the guy for you.”
    • “Soaking up the summer sun in my new swimsuit. What do you think? #twunk”
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Section 3 of 4:

What’s the difference between a “twink” and a “twunk?”

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    While “twink” is a label or stereotype that refers to a young, hairless, thin gay man in their early 20s, “twunk” describes a more toned, chiseled version of that. [6] Both terms were popularized by gay men and have since extended to other parts of the LGBTQ+ community.
    • For example, singer Troye Sivan self-identifies as a twunk. [7] Someone like actor Timothée Chalamet (although he isn’t queer) might be called a twink, too. [8]
    • The earliest use of the word “twink” was in the 1950s, while “twunk” is a more recent term. [9]
    • Since these terms describe a person’s appearance, they may be used as stereotypes or derogatory labels. Try to use them only if the other person is comfortable with it.
Section 4 of 4:

Other Descriptive Terms in the LGBTQ+ Community

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    A gym rat is someone who enjoys physical activity and spends a lot of time working out at the gym. [10] Although this term isn’t restricted to the LGBTQ+ community, it’s typically used in queer circles to describe a gay person who loves exercise and has the muscles to show for it. [11]
    • “Gym bunny” and “muscle Mary” are more derogatory stereotypes that typically describe gay men who work out at the gym to keep their youthful looks for as long as possible. [12]
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    A bear often describes a gay or bisexual man with facial or body hair and a hunky, cuddly body. [13] Bears vary in size, shape, and skin tone, but the stereotypical bear might be a burly, hairy man with facial hair who wears clothing associated with blue-collar workers. [14]
    • “Bear” is also an umbrella term for people in the bear subculture who celebrate having a traditionally masculine appearance while showing affection and intimacy, which are traditionally feminine traits. [15]
    • “Cub,” “dolphin,” “otter,” and “wolf” might all fit under the “bear” umbrella term as sub-identities. [16]
    • Bears are sometimes described as the opposite of twunks. [17]
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    Someone who calls themselves a “wolf” might be a slender, more dominant or aggressive version of a bear. [18] While bears are believed to have larger body types, the stereotypical wolf might have a more toned physique and a suave James Bond vibe. [19]
    • However, your body type doesn’t automatically define what label you should use. Describe yourself with whatever word you feel most comfortable with!
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    Someone who describes themselves as a “cub” might look like a younger or younger-looking version of a bear, and may have a smaller physical frame. [20] This term is also sometimes used to imply being the more passive partner in a queer relationship. [21]
    • The opposite of a cub might be a “polar bear” or “daddy bear”—a self-identified bear who’s over 50 years old and has gray or white hair. [22]
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    “Dolphin” typically refers to a more slender, athletic, and hairless version of a bear. [23] This is similar to a “twink,” however, “dolphin” is usually used as a bear sub-identity while twink tends to be used more broadly to describe any queer person. [24]
    • “Dolphin” and “twink” may also be used interchangeably.
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    Someone who calls themselves an “otter” might look like a more slender version of a bear. They may identify with the hairy body and passive personality stereotype of a bear, but instead of being large and hunky, an otter might look more lean or skinny. [25]
    • The term “otter” was first used by gay men who identified with bear culture but didn’t feel like they quite belonged. [26]
    • Some people say that otters are halfway between a twink and a bear. They may not be as hairy as a bear but are also not as lean or young-looking as a twink. [27]
    • “Otter” can also refer to a sub-identity of people in the bear community who are an edgier version of the “guy next door.” They’re kind and completely comfortable in their own skin. [28]
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      References

      1. ↑ https://www.lgbtqnation.com/2022/09/what-is-a-twink-is-it-a-slur/
      2. ↑ https://www.dictionary.com/browse/hunk
      3. ↑ https://www.dictionary.com/browse/twink
      4. ↑ https://gayety.co/tom-daley-just-found-out-what-a-twunk-is
      5. ↑ https://www.lgbtqnation.com/2022/09/what-is-a-twink-is-it-a-slur/
      6. ↑ https://www.them.us/story/what-is-a-twink
      7. ↑ https://www.them.us/story/troye-sivan-queer-pop-stardom
      8. ↑ https://www.them.us/story/this-is-not-the-age-of-the-twink
      9. ↑ https://www.oed.com/dictionary/twink_n3?tab=factsheet&tl=true
      1. ↑ https://www.dictionary.com/browse/gym-rat
      2. ↑ https://www.pride.com/identities/gay-animal-types
      3. ↑ https://tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pmwiki.php/Main/GymBunny
      4. ↑ https://www.montclair.edu/lgbtq-center/lgbtq-resources/terminology/
      5. ↑ https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5675254/
      6. ↑ https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5675254/
      7. ↑ https://www.ramapo.edu/qps/wp-content/uploads/sites/160/2016/08/Safe-Zone-Terminology.pdf
      8. ↑ https://www.pride.com/identities/gay-animal-types
      9. ↑ https://www.montclair.edu/lgbtq-center/lgbtq-resources/terminology/
      10. ↑ https://www.queerty.com/the-allure-and-seduction-of-gay-wolves-what-you-need-to-know-20230820
      11. ↑ https://emerson.edu/departments/intercultural-student-affairs/resources/glossary-lgbtqia-terms
      12. ↑ https://www.montclair.edu/lgbtq-center/lgbtq-resources/terminology/
      13. ↑ https://www.thepinknews.com/2018/05/18/what-is-a-bear-the-gay-tribe-for-big-hairy-hunky-men/
      14. ↑ https://emerson.edu/departments/intercultural-student-affairs/resources/glossary-lgbtqia-terms
      15. ↑ https://www.ramapo.edu/qps/wp-content/uploads/sites/160/2016/08/Safe-Zone-Terminology.pdf
      16. ↑ https://www.montclair.edu/lgbtq-center/lgbtq-resources/terminology/
      17. ↑ https://www.queerty.com/what-is-a-gay-otter-a-guide-to-the-hairy-lean-guys-of-the-gay-community-20230429
      18. ↑ https://www.thepinknews.com/2018/05/30/what-is-an-otter-gay-tribe-meaning/
      19. ↑ https://www.thepinknews.com/2018/05/30/what-is-an-otter-gay-tribe-meaning/

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