noun Internet Slang

Otaku

/oʊˈtɑːkuː/ · noun · slang

Someone obsessively into anime, manga, or games — the original hardcore fan label from Japan.

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Definitions

1

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.”
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2

In Japan, the word carries a more negative, shut-in connotation than its Western usage suggests.

“Calling someone an otaku in Japan isn't always a compliment.”
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3

A badge of honor among fans who pride themselves on depth of knowledge and collection size.

“Peak otaku is flying to Akihabara just to shop for figures.”
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Otaku In A Sentence

My otaku phase cost me an entire paycheck in Blu-rays.
The otaku in chat already spoiled the next arc.
She's an otaku for mecha specifically, don't get her started.

Origin & Usage

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.

Variants otakus
Tags #anime#meme#gen-z#internet

People Also Ask

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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