The Slow Regard of Silent Things

Balloons with different colors

Balloon fetishists (colloquially "looners") may be divided into two categories: those who are sexually inclined to pop balloons, possibly alongside other activities (called "poppers"), and those who are sexually inclined exclusively to non-popping activities, such as blowing up balloons and deflating them (called "non-poppers"). Some "non-poppers" are greatly distressed by the idea of popping balloons, possibly even to the point of tears.Template:Efn Others enjoy blowing up balloons or sitting and lying on them.

"Looner" Culture

One hallmark of the distinction between poppers and non-poppers may be in seeing balloons' bursting either as a metaphor for orgasm, or as a metaphor for death.

Media Depictions

• Geiru Toneido, a fictional homicidal clown and balloon artist from Phoenix Wright: Ace Attorney – Spirit of Justice, developed online notoriety with the advent of the "clussy" concept, the artwork of which has a very strong focus on the sexualisation of balloons, per her character design.
• In 2019 the stylist Christopher Kane presented a collection inspired by looners. A tematic t-shirt and a sneaker were released.
• SexTV season 9 episode 23, 9 June 2007.
• Taboo, 2012 episode on National Geographic Channel.

See also

• Body inflation
• Coulrophilia
• Inflatable doll
• Latex and PVC fetishism
• Bubble dance