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ahoge
What does ahoge mean?
A distinctive cowlick — one prominent lock of hair that sticks up in a different direction from the rest. It is often used as a visual quirk and sometimes even seems to reflect the character's mood.
"You can always spot her by that bouncy ahoge."
Origin
Japanese アホ毛 (ahoge), literally 'idiot hair' or 'foolish hair'.
Frequently asked questions
What is an ahoge?
An ahoge is a distinctive cowlick — one prominent strand of hair that sticks up in a different direction from the rest, used as a visual quirk that sometimes even seems to reflect the character's mood.
What does ahoge literally mean?
The Japanese アホ毛 literally means 'idiot hair' or 'foolish hair'.
What is an ahoge used for in character design?
It's a memorable visual signature that makes a character instantly recognisable, and animators sometimes animate it to hint at the character's emotions.
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