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, a situation. Now for starters I have a pretty decent generic answer from answers.com that states moe is:
“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é¡ã£娘èÂ΋ˆ, 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é“èÂ΋ˆ, 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.
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:
- Sakura-chan is so moe.
- I am moe over Kitahara Sayaka from MilkyWay.
- I am Miko moe.
- Oh my god, Becky, moeeeee!
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.
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?
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,…
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.. ^^
Does not feel the moe.
Too much MOE for me now…looking at Lucky Star…
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.
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. ♥
I’d like to think that in japanese accent this would refer to the english word “more”, as it seems to bear resembelance to the word, and it is used as such.
For example, Mio-chan, moe, as i see it it bears the meaning of having a strong affection for them, in any sort of way, which would refer to wanting more of them.
Just my personal opinion, although it might be completely off. :)
“Moe” is just like the word “Epic”. It doesn’t have a meaning but it’s really fun to use. :D
I think Moe is more of an appeal, maybe or maybe not sexual, but I’ve always considered Moe to mean “To have an appeal in one form or another to a specific or generalized audience”
When I asked a friend what moe meant he said it when someone was like “so-extremely-hyper-mega-cute” like a thousand times kawaii xD He named Tsukasa Hiiragi, Mikuru Asahina and… Takeru Takaishi o_0, lol, as examples.
No, MOE does not mean fetish. Instead, your friends’ definition of MOE is closer than yours. MOE is just a feeling of cuteness.
I believe that moe is the perfect blend of cuteness and innocence, not to be cunfused with the “cuteness” of say, a baby or a puppy. When you really get down to it, “moe” is different for everyone, and yes, as stated above, is a feeling. But that isn’t to say that it is a burning passion towards a character, it doesn’t even have to be perverse. For me, the “feeling” is an energetic feeling to insert myself into the storyline as a protective older brother… Sometimes I can’t help but feel incest though. If you have read this whole paragraph, I am fufilled as an Otaku.
What does moe mean.. Awful :)