Whats your definition of cosplay?

[Saint of Swords _SoS]

So I was doing this 'what is cosplay' page on my site, looking up what the interwebz' definition of cosplay was etc.
But then I figured it would prolly be more interesting to ask cosplayers themselves how they define their hobby.
So if you post your opinion please add your common used username on the internet or your name if you want and your country/state.
If you don't want me to use your post on my site then say so in your post.

So whats your personal definition of cosplay?  

[timelessGodhead]

Yuu-chan, cosplayer since 2008
NJ, USA

I believe cosplay is our attempt to bring our favorite series and shows to life. We recreate the character and add in our own personality to it as we identify with it. No one cosplay will ever be the same. It's about what we see in the character, because that's what ultimately comes out in our costumes.  

[LovelyLadyAurora]

-l Kanda Yuu l-

Yuu-chan, cosplayer since 2008
NJ, USA

I believe cosplay is our attempt to bring our favorite series and shows to life. We recreate the character and add in our own personality to it as we identify with it. No one cosplay will ever be the same. It's about what we see in the character, because that's what ultimately comes out in our costumes.

I agree too. 3nodding  

[Saint of Swords _SoS]

I'm going to need more feedback though o:  

[Dash-The-Dog]

Cosplaying=Costume+Roleplaying
Cosplaying=ME!  

[Extreme Cuddler]

K, L.A. California
It is a hobby, it allows u 2 become some1 that u admire. It also lets us be ourselves while being a different person at the same time.  

[cuvier]

Akipanda, USA.
I'd have to say that cosplay for me is just a fun thing to do. Dressing up as a different character, or becoming someone else for a change. It's also a great way to make more friends, and show off what you do best, whether it's sewing, prop-making, or video-gaming. Cosplay is a really fun way to play. Costume-play~  

[Veretix]

Kaida, New York

Cosplaying for me is a way to take a break from reality and role play as a character i admire greatly. I can become someone who never existed, and no one would really care. It is also a lot of fun to see the reactions of people who have no idea what you are doing. XP  

[Saint of Swords _SoS]

Nice posts people!
More are always welcome.  

[Teriyaki Tsubaki]

Cosplay is costume play when you dress up like a character from a show, video game, movie, or maybe even book.  

[Sith Faced]

Cosplaying to me is two things,
1; Showing my complete and udder adoration for a character so much so that I am willing to spend hours of my money and time to bring this fictional character to life, be it from video game, movie, anime, manga, or otherwise.
2; Getting a chance to be completely and 100% myself while dressed as someone else. When I cosplay, I feel like I can be as honest as I want to be, because no one else really knows who I am, or anything about me. It's a totally freeing experience.
Cosplay= heart  

[Rishiki]

Rishiki, Arizona

Cosplaying is a hobby that let's me be creative. It not only gives me a way to focus (or unwind) but also allows me to try to be someone without truly becoming that person (meaning I don't have to be that way every hour of he day).  

[pitamin]

I think that cosplaying is a way for fans to become someone else. Some people cosplay as existing characters, OCs, celebrities.

Most mundane people cosplay at least once a year without even realizing it! It's on Halloween night!

I cosplay as my OCs smile  

[Ashta Nightrayne]

Ashta- Missouri, USA

To me, cosplaying is just as it sounds. I love the simple excuse to dress up and feel like a kid again. The simplicity of having fun and having a hobby that does not involve any thing illegal.
Bringing out my personal favorite characters and original characters to life and slowly slipping into their personal personality. No matter how close or work in progress to the cosplay it's self, it always bugs me when you have the "Elite" cosplayers yell at you or say rude things just because of minor details. I just tend to ignore them and enjoy having fun with my hobby.  

[harukokun]

to me cosplaying is getting to be someone your not for a day or just having fun dressing up in something you enjoy but don't get to do everyday