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This piece of news is for Gundam builders everywhere. For the 10th time now Ascii Media Works will hold the Gunpla Contest in Akihabara. The contest running under the name “Dengeki King of Gundam Modelers …

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What does Moe mean?

Submitted by BZou on September 23, 2008 – 2:22 pm6 Comments

For any Otaku or plain old Anime watcher out there, I am sure you have heard the term “Moe” countless times, but what exactly is Moe? It’s one of the most important words in Otaku culture today. Moe is used to describe anything from a really cute girl, a situation. Now for starters I have a pretty decent generic answer from answers.com that states moe is:

moetan What does Moe mean?

“Moe”. pronounced “mo-eh”/ literally ‘budding’, as with a plant) is a Japanese slang word originally referring to fetish for or love for characters in video games or anime and manga. For example, 眼鏡っ娘萌え, meganekko-moe, “glasses-girl moe”, describes a person who is attracted to fictional characters with eyeglasses. Since then, the term has come to be used as a general term for a hobby, mania or fetish (non-sexual) — 鉄道萌え, tetsudou-moe, “train moe”, is simply a passionate interest in trains. A moekko is a character who could be considered stereotypically attractive — youthful and cute.

Now that may be true to an extent but Moe has broadened a bit more in our usage today.

moe What does Moe mean?

Over at Xorsyst, there are some ideas on the term Moe itself:

Others say that the word originates from the Japanese word Moeru, which means “burning” (the burning desire that fills your soul when you see a cute girl)

Moe at its most purest form means “a plant sprouting.” In anime and manga, it’s common to see a character obtain an older brother role to the girl he finds moe. He is willing to protect her from harm, and anything perverse.

Moe as a word can be used a few different ways:

lucky star moe What does Moe mean?

Some people claim that despite not knowing the exact origins or definition of Moe, it is something they understand through feeling (some of my stupid friends…), Although this may sound a bit far fetched, I can partially understand what they mean. When you see a cute image such as Mikuru from Haruhi Suzumiya, you just get that feeling that cannot be described in words.

mikuru 03 What does Moe mean?

mikuru What does Moe mean? mikuru 02 What does Moe mean?

When all said and done I guess I personally don’t even truly know what moe means but I think that the answers I received through my research from answers and xorsyst as well as several Otaku comrades has enlightened me a bit more than I use to be. I guess it is somewhat true about knowing what moe is through feeling, I sure do feel that way sometimes. How about all of you out there, what do you think of Moe? Do you think the answers found can accurately describe what Moe is?


6 Comments »

  • What does Moe mean?…

    For any Otaku or plain old Anime watcher out there, I am sure you have heard the term “Moe” countless times, but what exactly is Moe? It’s one of the most important words in Otaku culture today. Moe is used to describe anything from a really cute girl,…

  • Fariz Asuka says:

    Thanks for the in-depth info about what is “MOE”.. IMO, I think “MOE” means a fetish for something.. Well, my friends think of it as a referral to cute girls.. ^^

    Reply

  • Panther says:

    Does not feel the moe.

    Reply

  • Rin says:

    Too much MOE for me now…looking at Lucky Star…

    Reply

  • Rin Kinomoto says:

    I think moe means social interest, for example when we see a cute girl on anime, some of people call it moe. Well maybe moe refers to words like, “That’s hot!”. Some people said moe too if they see a bishounen or bishoujo.

    Reply

  • Miileey Cyrus says:

    Hey people well I am not the real milerz! ♥ I am just her huge fan eww I love milerz and I think milerz is moe too! eww ♥ I love one manga it’s called milky and cute by kikuta michiyo. miu is so cute! ♥ I love her and sena! well ok people my japanese pen name is miusena cyrus ♥ sometimes I go to chat with that name. I’m planning to making IM with that name. but it just a plan for now I’m going to create that pen name soon. I think my comment are too long. bye – bye anime manga love lovers!
    miusena miley milerz cyrus. ♥

    Reply

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