What's on your mug?

My definition, which was correct was removed by biased peoples. Oh well. Here I go again. In Japan the word Otaku is a label that is quite bad. Most Japanese people would not want to be considered an otaku. In America, however, we have morphed the word as we always do to our own meaning. There is nothing wrong with this. Over in America it means "to be a big fan of", and really doesn't have a bad meaning, as it would in Japan. As such, you wouldn't want to go to Japan and start saying how much of an Otaku you are. In America this is fine, and probably in Canada as well. However, alot of people here seem to forget that they are saying what the Japanese interpret it as. Most people that read this hail from North America where the definition has a fairly benign meaning. I rest my case.

Japan: Ugh, he's so disgusting... must be a anime otaku. North America: Dude, you are totally a hardcore Otaku!

By brian clemens

Otaku has multiple meanings. Casual anime fans use this word in the context of being a well established fan who knows much about anime and manga. Japanese see this term as derogitory which represents a person who is a lifeless nerd. Wapanese see this as derogitory given their strong beilief that because they watched some anime that all the sudden they are japanese. This is a high-context word, in the american dialect, given the type of people using the word and the context of the discussion this OTAKU could mean expert or geek, complemetary or derogatory.

Larry has a wealth of knowlege about anime, he is a real otaku.

By Tabenokoshi

A Japanese word describing a person beyond the realm of fandom but into mania that is improperly used by American fans. In Japan the word "otaku" has become taboo because of Miyazaki Tsutomu who went on a toddler murdering spree in the 80's, video taping the young girls he had murdered from an obsession with lolicon (female pedophilic manga). Americans use this term to call themselves "fanboys" or "fangirls" with almost no knowledge of the horrific roots behind the word.

American Fangirl: "I have a huge collection of Macross, NGE, Sailor Moon, yaoi, and many other anime! I'm such an otaku!" Non-anime fan: "...Uhm, you do know about that word right?"

By Erin

Japanese: An insulting word meaning someone who is completely obsessed with something. They are the type that generally live in their parents' basements at 30 years old and have no social life. English: A term meaning someone very into anime/manga/Japanese culture. It can be taken as either a compliment or an insult, depending on the recipient (I take it as a compliment, for example).

J: Man, that otaku needs a bath, he's been in his basement for a week without one. E: Wow, look at all these otaku at the convention, dressed like their favorite characters! They're having so much fun!

By Sailor KnightWing

In American culture, 'Otaku' means 'One who is obsessed with Japanese culture, entertainment, etc.' It literally is the honorific way to say 'House', and is used to mean 'Someone who stays in their house all the time'. It's not usually a good thing to be called an Otaku, but others take pride in it.

Person 1: I love anime! Person 2: You're such an Otaku!

By Darkinuhanyou