CultureAugust 17, 2026

cosplays

KOS-playz

Definition

The practice of dressing up as a character from a movie, book, or video game, typically at a fan convention.

Etymology

The word is a portmanteau of the English words 'costume' and 'play.' It was coined in Japan in 1984 by reporter Nobuyuki Takahashi after he observed fans wearing character costumes at the World Science Fiction Convention in Los Angeles.

In the news

The article uses the term to describe how Disney fans arrived at the D23 convention dressed as their favorite characters, highlighting the contrast between fan costumes and celebrity designer fashion.

Celebrities and CEOs mixed Disney style with luxury status symbols at the D23 event. Here's what they wore.

Read the full article ↗

Business Insider

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