Otaku
A person who loves to watch anime and read manga and also admires the Japanese culture, but not to the point of denouncing their own, that would make them a weeaboo. Being an otaku is basically being apart of a whole new culture, an it's great! Just don't become a weeb.
A person who loves to watch anime and read manga and also admires the Japanese culture, but not to the point of denouncing their own, that would make them a weeaboo. Being an otaku is basically being apart of a whole new culture, an it's great! Just don't become a weeb.
by CurrentSlang2014 December 8, 2014
A Japanese slang term synonymous with "geek" that is used to describe people who have a hobby such as video gaming, anime, model kits, D&D and many others. Outside of Japan it is used almost exclusively for hobbies related to Japan, especially anime.
It is also important to note that many people make false assumptions and stereotypes against otaku. The most common fallacies are that they have no social lives and never get laid. While these are true in some cases, they are mere stereotypes and many otaku get laid on a regular basis. Such statements can be compared with saying that ALL black people are drug dealers. (It is also important to note that many otaku choose not to use the word in describing themselves due to the negative fallacies)
Another common misconception that has led to much asshatteryis that "otaku" has a set connotation, either positive or negative. This is untrue seeing as there are both practicing otaku who can be considered exempplary citizens as well as those who will never get laid. The words connotation is purely neutral. It describes people with certain hobbies and does not pertain to positive or negative behaviour.
Why these negative fallacies are often cast upon otaku and geeks, I do not know. There are people who can name useless facts about sports and music that rival the anime trivia of any otaku who are considered healthy. Furthermore, many otaku spend less time watching anime than most Americans spend watching TV. The idea that their social lives suffer from spending too much time on anime is a pure fallacy. All people have hobbies and interests that occupy their spare time, such as sports, telivision and music. Otaku are the same except their main hobby is anime. Most still have ample time left over for a healthy social life.
It is also important to note that many people make false assumptions and stereotypes against otaku. The most common fallacies are that they have no social lives and never get laid. While these are true in some cases, they are mere stereotypes and many otaku get laid on a regular basis. Such statements can be compared with saying that ALL black people are drug dealers. (It is also important to note that many otaku choose not to use the word in describing themselves due to the negative fallacies)
Another common misconception that has led to much asshatteryis that "otaku" has a set connotation, either positive or negative. This is untrue seeing as there are both practicing otaku who can be considered exempplary citizens as well as those who will never get laid. The words connotation is purely neutral. It describes people with certain hobbies and does not pertain to positive or negative behaviour.
Why these negative fallacies are often cast upon otaku and geeks, I do not know. There are people who can name useless facts about sports and music that rival the anime trivia of any otaku who are considered healthy. Furthermore, many otaku spend less time watching anime than most Americans spend watching TV. The idea that their social lives suffer from spending too much time on anime is a pure fallacy. All people have hobbies and interests that occupy their spare time, such as sports, telivision and music. Otaku are the same except their main hobby is anime. Most still have ample time left over for a healthy social life.
by Thriller March 24, 2006
In Japan the word otaku is used to refer to someone who is extremely obsessed with something. Americans have adopted it to refer to anyone in their culture who is obessesed with the Japanese culture. Americans do not use it "incorrectly" as many people claim, they have just re-defined the word.
That Mallory girl is such an otaku... She watches anime, has been to more cosplay conventions then I can count, and can read, write, and speak Japanese!
by Wonderful Aishas September 5, 2005
this word was originally used in japan to describe someone who enjoys anime and manga. the term later became derogatory when a japanese news station used it to describe a serial killer who had been a hermit and was obsessed with anime, manga, and doujn. When it crossed the pacific to America, otaku became a word popularly used to describe anime-con goers. the Japanese, who are always quick to pick up on American fads, soon used the phrase to describe a cool "geek chic" type of person, often found in the Akihabara district of Tokyo.
by objectiveobserver July 11, 2008
From the literal translation of the word toku, meaning "house. In Japan, Otaku means somebody with an obsession. From anime, manga, vedeo games, computers, to things from train sets, stamps, spoons, ect.
In the 8o's, Otaku was used for a Japanese case where an obsessed fan murdered a voice actress for not sounding th way he invisioned his favorite character.
Otakus in Japan tend to be under-weight with poor hygen and little to no life outside of their obsession, i.e. only leaving outside of their home for their care or additions to their collection of what they are obsessing over. Thus, having their society look down upon them.
In the U.S., fans of anime and manga tend to mix up Otaku for "guru", or master. A large amount of the fans of products of Japanese entertainment tend to view Otaku as a good thing. Otaku, in the West, normally means "fan of anime/manga/video-games".
The "otakus" of the US. tend to be over-weight, have poor hygen, and have little to no life outside of their own obsession.
People in the U.S. tend to make jokes about "otakus" and their Western version of "Comic-Book Junkie" to live in their parent's basement while obsessing with their collectables.
In the 8o's, Otaku was used for a Japanese case where an obsessed fan murdered a voice actress for not sounding th way he invisioned his favorite character.
Otakus in Japan tend to be under-weight with poor hygen and little to no life outside of their obsession, i.e. only leaving outside of their home for their care or additions to their collection of what they are obsessing over. Thus, having their society look down upon them.
In the U.S., fans of anime and manga tend to mix up Otaku for "guru", or master. A large amount of the fans of products of Japanese entertainment tend to view Otaku as a good thing. Otaku, in the West, normally means "fan of anime/manga/video-games".
The "otakus" of the US. tend to be over-weight, have poor hygen, and have little to no life outside of their own obsession.
People in the U.S. tend to make jokes about "otakus" and their Western version of "Comic-Book Junkie" to live in their parent's basement while obsessing with their collectables.
I am such an otaku because I love manga's and Kishimoto-chan!
Yuu only leaves his house in order to get a new train set... He must be an otaku.
The Otaku had murdered the voice actress because he did not like her portrayl of his favorite character.
Yuu only leaves his house in order to get a new train set... He must be an otaku.
The Otaku had murdered the voice actress because he did not like her portrayl of his favorite character.
by Gaara_Baby_Eater June 1, 2009
Someone with an unhealthy obsession for something. i.e. anime, cars, soap operas...
not necessarily anime but usually associated with it
not necessarily anime but usually associated with it
by Ravyius November 9, 2003
1. Japanese for "nerd."
2. A big anime fan. Unfortunately, the name has been disgraced thanks to the large majority of otakus being 240 lb, 30-year-old white men who don't have a life.
2. A big anime fan. Unfortunately, the name has been disgraced thanks to the large majority of otakus being 240 lb, 30-year-old white men who don't have a life.
by dj gs68 July 8, 2003