Plural of clinger; things or people that cling or stick to something else, often persistently.
From 'cling' (Old English clingan, to adhere) plus the agent suffix '-er' forming plurals with '-s'. The term evolved from describing physical adhesion to metaphorically describing persistent people.
Geckos are ultimate clingers—their feet have millions of tiny hairs that use van der Waals forces (the same weak attraction between molecules) to grip surfaces so perfectly they can walk on ceilings without any glue or suction!
Plural form carries same asymmetric stereotyping as singular, especially in gendered discourse about romantic attachment.
Avoid in generalizations; specify behavior and context neutrally when needed.
["people with attachment concerns","those seeking reassurance"]
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