Coprophile is a word with an unusual spelling. It comes from the Greek words kopros, meaning "feces," and philein, meaning "to love." The IPA transcription for coprophile is /ˈkɒprəfaɪl/. The "c" at the beginning is pronounced as /k/, followed by the short "o" sound, /ɒ/. The "ph" is pronounced as /f/ and the "ile" as /aɪl/. While not a common term, coprophiles are people who have a sexual attraction to feces.
A coprophile is an individual who harbors a strong attraction or sexual fascination towards feces or fecal matter. The term originates from the combination of the Greek words "copros," meaning excrement or feces, and "philia," referring to a strong liking or affinity. The defining characteristic of a coprophile is their intense desire for, or arousal from, experiencing or engaging with fecal matter.
This sexual attraction towards feces can manifest in various ways, including but not limited to engaging in acts such as coprophagia (eating feces), coprolagnia (smearing feces on the body or objects), or even sexual acts involving feces during intimate encounters. Some coprophiles may prefer to observe others engaging in these activities, while others may actively seek to participate.
It is crucial to distinguish between a coprophile and an individual who may practice scatological play as a form of consensual, adult-oriented roleplay or fetish activity within the realm of BDSM, as the former refers to an intense sexual attraction rooted in this particular focus. Coprophilia is considered an uncommon sexual preference and can be considered taboo in many cultures, often causing distress or psychological issues to those afflicted.
Professional support from healthcare providers or mental health experts may be beneficial for individuals struggling with this attraction, as they can provide guidance and assist them in managing their feelings, behaviors, and potential associated distress.
The word "coprophile" derives from two roots: "copro-" and "-phile".
The root "copro-" is derived from the Greek word "kopros", which means "excrement" or "dung". This root is commonly used in scientific terms related to feces, such as coprolite (fossilized poop), coprozoic (living in feces), or coprophagy (eating feces).
The suffix "-phile" is also of Greek origin, meaning "loving" or "liking". It is commonly used to form words describing a person who has a strong liking or affinity for a particular thing or activity. For example, "bibliophile" (a lover of books), "audiophile" (a lover of high-quality sound systems), or "anglophile" (a person who loves or admires British culture).