It is one who can be, or is, generally socially awkward in such a way that they prefer to physically be on the outer, more uninvolved, edges of a group, and choose not to partake in the majority of conversations or activities that the majority of people take part in. A fringist may, or may not, have a social group they belong to, but one is only a fringist when in a group that they are not socially comfortable with. They are sometimes considered loners, but do not necessarily like being alone, they simply prefer it over dealign with the social circumstances they are currently forced into. They are fully capable of making friends but in the event that they become a fringist they don't want to interact with the people currently around them, by a matter of choice and general sense of exclusion due to the nature of the fringist.

Noun: a friend who is usually only called upon by a friend when a more primary/prominent friend is unavailable.

Taken from the term “second string” in an athletic competition situation. In football, if the star quarterback gets injured during a play, the second string is called off the bench to replace him/her. A “Second String Friend” is essentially benched until needed, if ever.

Synonyms: Plan B, Second Choice, Secondary Friend, Benched Until Needed