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otaku
What does otaku mean?
A person with a consuming obsession for anime, manga, gaming, or any niche hobby. In Japanese it can describe any super-fan, but in the West it almost always means an anime fan.
"He's a true otaku, he can name the studio from one frame."
Origin
From the Japanese word 御宅 (otaku), originally a formal way to say 'your home/you'. It became a label for obsessive hobbyists in 1980s Japan and later spread worldwide through anime fandom.
Frequently asked questions
What does otaku mean?
It means someone obsessively into anime, manga, or games. It's the original Japanese term for a hardcore fan.
Is otaku a bad word in Japan?
It can be. In Japan it often carries a negative shut-in connotation, while in the West it's usually a neutral or proud label.
What's the difference between otaku and weeb?
Otaku is the Japanese term for any obsessive fan, while weeb specifically describes a non-Japanese person obsessed with Japanese culture.
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