noun a child believed to have been secretly substituted by fairies for the parents' real child in infancy
In parenting discussions, a changeling may be used humorously to describe a child who is behaving unusually or unexpectedly, as if they have been replaced by a different child.
In psychology, a changeling may refer to a person who feels like they do not belong or who has a sense of being different from others. This term can be used to describe feelings of identity confusion or disconnection.
In fantasy literature, a changeling is a character who has been swapped with another being, often by magical means. This trope is common in fantasy stories involving fairies, witches, and other supernatural beings.
In science fiction, a changeling may refer to a character who has undergone a physical transformation or who is able to change their appearance at will. This term is often used in stories involving shape-shifters or beings with shape-shifting abilities.
In folklore, a changeling is a fairy child that has been left in place of a human child. This concept is often used in stories of fairies and other mythical creatures.
In literature, a changeling is often used as a character to represent a child who has been swapped with a fairy or magical creature. This theme is common in folklore and fantasy novels.
In psychology, the term changeling may be used metaphorically to describe a person who undergoes significant changes in behavior or personality, often as a result of trauma or mental health issues.
Social workers may use the term changeling to refer to a child who is struggling with their identity or experiencing difficulties at home, such as abuse or neglect.
In marketing, changeling can be used to describe a brand or product that undergoes a major transformation or rebranding to appeal to a new target audience or market segment.