Polycule
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In polyamory, a polycule is a group of individuals involved in romantic relationships that connect all the members in the group. It's not necessary for every individual of the polycule to be in a relationship with every other individual, and also not common. The most simple and arguably most common polycule structure is a V shaped structure, a three-person polycule where one person is dating the two others, but the two others are not dating one another.
Etymology
Derived as an analog to the way that atomic bonds connect the atoms in a molecule, the word is a portmanteau of polyamory and molecule.
The origin of the term is not clear, but it seems to have entered the popular lexicon starting in the early 2010s. By the 2020s, discussions of polycules had entered the mainstream media.
Terms
While polycules can take on many different configurations, there are a few common structures and terms.
- V structure describes a three-person polycule where one person is dating the two others, but the two others are not dating one another.
- N structure describes a four-person polycule where each couple contributes one person to a third relationship. It takes its name from the letter "N", since each line represents a relationship, and each end point represents an individual.
- Throuple describes a group of three people where all individuals are in a relationship with the other two people in the group. It is also known as a type of triad.
- Quad describes a four-person polycule. While N structures are all quads, not all quads are N structures.
- Metamour is a term that refers to one's partner's partner.
In popular culture
- The Canadian television sitcom Schitt's Creek includes a depiction of a three-person V structure polycule, with former lovers and best friends David Rose and Stevie Budd briefly simultaneously dating a third character, Jake. The polycule officially dissolves when Jake suggests the formation of a throuple, which David and Stevie decline.
- The television program Riverdale series finale revealed a four-person polycule, or quad, between Archie, Betty, Veronica and Jughead.
- In season 3 of Bridgerton, Benedict Bridgerton explores being in a "throuple" with Lady Tilly Arnold and Paul Suarez.
- Luca Guadagnino's 2024 movie Challengers drew social media references to the three characters of Tashi, Patrick and Art as a "throuple". However, members of the polyamorous community pushed back on using the "throuple" term since the relationship dynamics didn't follow the conventions of ethical non-monogamy and transparency.