Poly Terms
Iâm trying to compile a list of terms related to polyamory for newcomers to the community and anyone else whoâs interested in learning about it (I practically had a google tab open whenever I was reading about poly stuff). If you think anything should be added or changed, please let me know.
Bigamy: being married (in a legal sense) while already married to another person (usually illegal)
Bipoly: a shortened term for bisexual polyamorous
Closed relationship:Â any configuration in which partners are not allowed to seek other partners outside the configuration
Compersion: the opposite of jealousy; an empathetic response to a partnerâs happiness with their other partner(s)
Hierarchical relationship: a polycule configuration in which there is a primary partnership which takes priority over one or more secondary arrangementsÂ
Metamour: your partnerâs partner that you are not otherwise involved with non-platonically
Monogamish: a term used to describe a relationship which is a closed couple most of the time, but has exceptions
Monogamy: the practice or state of having a non-platonic relationship with only one partner
Non-platonic: a relationship that has a romantic and/or sexual nature
Nonmonogamy: blanket term which covers several types of interpersonal relationships in which an individual forms multiple and simultaneous sexual or romantic bonds with informed consent from all involved
NRE: acronym for new relationship energy, the feeling of euphoria associated with the beginning of a relationship
Open relationship: any configuration in which partners are allowed to seek other partners
Polyamory spectrum: a continuum of monogamy to polyamory
Polyamory:Â the philosophy or state of being non-platonically involved with more than one person at the same time with informed consent from all involved
Polyandry:Â polygamy in which a woman has more than one husband
Polycule: a network of people who are involved in non-platonic relationships and their metamours
Polyfidelity: three or more people in a closed relationship
Polygamy:Â the practice or custom of having more than one wife or husband at the same time
Polygyny:Â polygamy in which a man has more than one wife
Polysexual: someone who has the capacity to be attracted to multiple genders, usually more than two (frequently confused with polyamorous)
Relationship orientation: a personâs identity as related to their preference for monogamy or polyamory
Serial monogamy: not included under the polyamory umbrella; multiple monogamous relationships one after the other
Swinging: a configuration in which a couple has a relationship that is open strictly for sexual flings
Unicorn hunters: a couple looking for a woman to be their âunicornâ (usually has a negative connotation)
Unicorn: a bisexual polyamorous woman who is open to forming a (usually closed) triad with an established couple; referred to as a unicorn because women as described above are extremely rare















