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moe
What does moe mean?
The warm, doting, almost protective adoration a fan feels for an endearing (usually cute and youthful) character. It can also describe the traits that trigger that feeling.
"Her clumsy little sneeze gave me serious moe."
Origin
Japanese 萌え (moe), 'to bud/sprout', slang that emerged in 1990s otaku culture for budding affection.
Frequently asked questions
What does moe mean in anime?
Moe is the warm, doting, almost protective adoration a fan feels for an endearing (usually cute and youthful) character. It can also describe the traits that trigger that feeling.
How do you use moe?
You'd say something 'gave you moe' when a cute or endearing moment made you feel that protective affection — like a character's clumsy little sneeze.
Where does the word moe come from?
It's from the Japanese 萌え, meaning 'to bud or sprout', slang that emerged in 1990s otaku culture to describe budding affection.
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