File:Apto by Vile.png

Summary

Aptophilia flag by Vile.

Creator's carrd.

Aptophilia (or cofortiphilia) is attraction to grooming someone (regardless of the age disparity).

Grooming is the act of purposefully gaining trust of a vulnerable person in order to manipulate and/or coerce them into an exploitative relationship. It's often used specifically for adults grooming youth into a sexual relationship, but it's not limited to it.

The term "aptophilia" also coined by Vile. It is based on the Latin word, "apto", meaning to fit, adapt, adjust, make ready, or fit.

(Note that the there's earlier recorded usage of the word "aptophilia" for unusual and inconvenient anatomy fetish, spread mostly in the furry communities.)

Flag stripes/symbolism meaning:

• The candy symbol hints at the stereotype that grooming involves giving people candy.
• The colorful yet slightly muted stripes symbolize deceit in a friendly package.
• The white stripe symbolizes the light at the end of a tunnel, the endgoal of grooming constantly being kept in mind.
• The black stripes symbolize the destruction of grooming.