Hello, I’m Kodak.
Anime and manga fans use a huge amount of special vocabulary.
You may understand the story of an anime but still feel lost when fans start saying:
“My oshi is a tsundere voiced by my favorite seiyuu.”
“I bought her acrylic stand for my ita-bag at Comiket.”
“This doujinshi has amazing gap moe.”
That is completely normal.
Otaku vocabulary mixes Japanese words, shortened expressions, internet slang, English loanwords, and terms created by international fandom.
This guide organizes the most useful terms by meaning, so you can understand how they connect.
Quick answer
An otaku vocabulary guide includes words for:
・types of fans
・favorite characters and performers
・character personalities
・anime, manga, and game formats
・fan-created works and events
・merchandise and fan activities
The most useful first words are otaku, oshi, oshikatsu, moe, tsundere, seiyuu, doujinshi, cosplay, gacha, and Comiket.
In this guide, the terms are divided into six groups:
① fans and community identities
② favorites, affection, and support
③ character personality types
④ anime, manga, and game formats
⑤ fan creation and events
⑥ merchandise and fan activities
Before You Start: Are These All Japanese Words?
No. Otaku culture is international, so the vocabulary comes from several sources.
推し, 萌え, 尊い, 同人誌English loanwords used in Japanese
アニメ, コスプレ, サークル, フィギュア
Japanese-origin words that changed in English
otaku, waifu
English internet slang used by global anime fans
weeb, weeaboo, husbando, best girl
No. Some terms—especially weeb, waifu, husbando, and best girl—are more strongly associated with English-speaking fandom.
I will point out when Japanese and international usage differ.
1. Fan and Community Identity Terms
Otaku (オタク): A Deeply Involved Enthusiast
A person deeply absorbed in and highly knowledgeable about a particular interest.Examples:
アニメオタク — anime otaku
鉄道オタク — train enthusiast
歴史オタク — history geek
Outside Japan, otaku often means an anime or manga fan. In Japan, it can describe intense interest in almost any subject.
彼はアニメオタクです。
Kare wa anime otaku desu.
He is a hardcore anime fan.
It can be positive, neutral, playful, or negative.
Self-identification is common, but labeling a stranger an otaku may sound judgmental if it implies obsession or poor social skills.
Learn more: What Does Otaku Mean in Japan?
Anime Fan (アニメファン): The Safest Neutral Term
Anime fan simply means someone who enjoys anime. It does not automatically suggest obsession, expertise, or a lifestyle identity.
neutral and broadanime otaku
suggests deeper knowledge or stronger involvement
weeb
may be playful, but traditionally has a more negative meaning
Weeb and Weeaboo: English Internet Slang
Weeb is short for weeaboo. Traditionally, it is a disparaging English term for a non-Japanese person viewed as excessively obsessed with and uncritically idealizing Japanese culture.
Today, anime fans also use weeb jokingly or proudly about themselves.
I recognized the opening song immediately. I’m such a weeb.
Not exactly.
Otaku mainly describes depth of interest.
Weeb traditionally criticizes a person’s stereotyped or excessive attitude toward Japan.
Learn more: Weeb vs. Otaku and Weeaboo Meaning
Fujoshi (腐女子): A Female BL Fan
A woman or girl who enjoys BL and stories about romantic relationships between male characters.Literal wordplay:
婦女子 — woman / young woman
腐女子 — “rotten woman”
The term began as self-deprecating fandom wordplay. Many fans use it about themselves, but it is safer not to force the label on another person.
Fudanshi (腐男子): A Male BL Fan
腐男子 (fudanshi) is the male counterpart of fujoshi: a man or boy who enjoys BL media.
男子 (danshi) — man or boy
腐男子 — male BL fan
Yumejoshi (夢女子): A Fan Who Imagines a Personal Romance
夢女子 (yumejoshi) traditionally refers to a female fan who enjoys imagining herself—or a self-insert character—in a romantic relationship with a fictional character.
The related creative category is often called 夢 (yume) or 夢小説 (yume shōsetsu), meaning self-insert or reader-insert fiction.
They overlap, but the focus differs.
Waifu/husbando labels the beloved character.
Yume emphasizes imagining yourself or a personal avatar inside the relationship.
Cosplayer (コスプレイヤー): A Person Who Performs a Character
A cosplayer wears costumes and often uses makeup, wigs, posing, acting, photography, or prop-making to represent a character.
In casual Japanese, レイヤー (reiyā) can be used as a shortened form of コスプレイヤー.
彼女は人気のコスプレイヤーです。
Kanojo wa ninki no kosupureiyā desu.
She is a popular cosplayer.
2. Favorite Character, Affection, and Support Terms
Oshi (推し): The Person or Character You Support
A person, character, team, or group that you especially support and recommend.Possible translations:
・favorite
・bias
・the one I support
・favorite idol or character
あなたの推しは誰ですか。
Anata no oshi wa dare desu ka.
Who is your favorite?
Sai-oshi (最推し): Your Number-One Favorite
最推し (sai-oshi) means your absolute favorite among your favorites.
最推し — number-one favorite
この作品では彼女が最推しです。
Kono sakuhin de wa kanojo ga sai-oshi desu.
She is my number-one favorite in this series.
Hako-oshi (箱推し): Supporting the Whole Group
箱推し (hako-oshi) means supporting an entire group rather than selecting only one member.
The word 箱 (hako) literally means “box,” but here it represents the whole group as one unit.
一人を選べないので、箱推しです。
Hitori o erabenai no de, hako-oshi desu.
I cannot choose just one, so I support the whole group.
Oshikatsu (推し活): Activities That Support Your Favorite
推し活 (oshikatsu) means activities done to support or celebrate an oshi.
・buying merchandise
・attending concerts and events
・watching streams
・voting in rankings
・decorating an ita-bag
・celebrating a character’s birthday
・visiting locations connected with a work
・meeting and communicating with other fans
Waifu: A Beloved Fictional Female Character
In international fandom, a waifu is a fictional female character whom a fan especially loves or imagines as an ideal partner.
Japanese ワイフ originally comes from English wife, but the fictional-character slang meaning is especially established in English-speaking anime culture.
She has been my waifu for years.
Learn more: What Does Waifu Mean?
Husbando: The Male Equivalent of Waifu
A husbando is a fictional male character whom a fan especially loves or imagines as an ideal partner.
husbando — beloved fictional male character
Husbando is primarily international fandom slang, not the standard Japanese pronunciation of “husband.”
Best Girl and Best Boy
Best girl and best boy are English fandom labels for the character a fan considers the best in a series or group.
Not necessarily.
Best girl is often a ranking within one series.
Waifu usually suggests a more personal or romantic attachment.
Moe (萌え): Strong Affection Triggered by a Character
萌え (moe) is slang for strong affection, excitement, passion, or attraction toward a character or character trait.
It is not simply the Japanese word for “cute.” A character may create moe because of their personality, voice, weakness, clothing, behavior, or contrast between traits.
このキャラには萌える。
Kono kyara ni wa moeru.
This character really gives me that moe feeling.
Gap Moe (ギャップ萌え): Affection Caused by a Surprising Contrast
Gap moe occurs when a surprising difference between two sides of a character makes them more appealing.
・a frightening warrior who loves tiny animals
・a serious teacher who is terrible at cooking
・a quiet character who becomes excited about one hobby
・a confident hero who is secretly afraid of ghosts
Toutoi (尊い): “Too Precious”
尊い (tōtoi) literally means noble, precious, or worthy of respect. In fandom slang, it expresses overwhelming admiration:
推しが尊い。
Oshi ga tōtoi.
My oshi is too precious.
3. Character Personality and Archetype Terms
Tsundere (ツンデレ): Cold Outside, Affectionate Inside
aloof, sharp, unfriendly
＋
デレデレ (deredere)
loving, affectionate, soft
＝
ツンデレ (tsundere)
A tsundere character behaves coldly, defensively, or harshly but sometimes reveals a softer affectionate side.
べ、別にあなたのためじゃないから！
Be, betsu ni anata no tame janai kara!
I-it’s not like I did it for you!
Yandere (ヤンデレ): Love That Becomes Unstable or Dangerous
Yandere combines an idea related to emotional or mental sickness with deredere, loving affection.
It describes a character whose intense love becomes possessive, unstable, threatening, or violent.
Yandere is a fictional character archetype, not a medical diagnosis.
Kuudere (クーデレ): Cool and Emotionally Reserved
A kuudere character appears calm, cool, and emotionally controlled but gradually reveals warmth and affection.
calm and composed
＋
deredere
affectionate
＝
kuudere
Dandere (ダンデレ): Quiet Until They Feel Safe
A dandere character is usually silent, shy, or socially withdrawn but becomes affectionate and expressive around someone they trust.
The term is associated with 黙り (danmari), silence, plus deredere.
Deredere (デレデレ): Openly Loving and Affectionate
A deredere character expresses affection openly and consistently rather than hiding it behind a cold or dangerous side.
彼女は最初からずっとデレデレです。
Kanojo wa saisho kara zutto deredere desu.
She has been openly affectionate from the beginning.
Chuunibyou (中二病): Dramatic “Special Power” Behavior
Chūnibyō literally means “second-year middle-school syndrome.” It is slang mocking exaggerated adolescent self-consciousness or behavior, such as pretending to possess mysterious powers or a dark hidden identity.
4. Anime, Manga, and Game Format Terms
Anime (アニメ)
Anime is the Japanese shortening of animation.
アニメ can refer broadly to animated works, including animation from outside Japan.In English:
anime usually refers specifically to animation associated with Japan.
Manga (漫画)
Manga means comics or graphic storytelling. In English, the word usually refers to Japanese comics. In Japanese, it can be used more broadly for comics as a medium.
Light Novel (ライトノベル / ラノベ)
A light novel is a Japanese publishing category strongly associated with accessible prose, illustrations, and readers interested in anime, manga, and game culture.
The common abbreviation is ラノベ (ranobe).
Visual Novel (ビジュアルノベル)
A visual novel is an interactive digital narrative that usually combines text, character images, backgrounds, music, and player choices.
Some visual novels have one main story; others branch into multiple routes and endings.
Otome Game (乙女ゲーム)
An otome game is a romance-oriented game traditionally marketed toward women, commonly featuring a female protagonist and multiple male romance options.
Otome literally means maiden or young woman, but the genre term does not mean “a game for innocent girls.”
Isekai (異世界): Another-World Fiction
世界 (sekai) — world
異世界 (isekai) — another world
In isekai stories, a character travels, reincarnates, or becomes trapped in another world.
Seiyuu (声優): Voice Actor
優 (yū) — actor or performer in this compound
声優 (seiyū) — voice actor
Seiyuu may perform in anime, games, dubbing, narration, radio, music, and live events.
このキャラクターの声優は誰ですか。
Kono kyarakutā no seiyū wa dare desu ka.
Who is the voice actor for this character?
OVA: Original Video Animation
OVA means Original Video Animation: animation originally released for home video rather than first broadcast on television or shown in theaters.
The term describes the original distribution format, not a specific story genre or quality level.
Cour (クール): A Broadcast Programming Block
In anime discussion, a cour is a television broadcast block of roughly three months, often containing around 10–13 weekly episodes.
roughly one three-month broadcast seasontwo-cour anime
an anime planned for roughly two consecutive or split broadcast blocks
Fan Service (ファンサービス)
Fan service means material added to please fans.
In English anime discussion, it often refers to sexualized or visually suggestive content, but the broader idea can include:
・a reference to an older series
・an especially impressive transformation scene
・a romantic moment fans wanted
・revealing costumes or camera angles
・extra interaction at a live event
BL, GL, Yuri, and Yaoi
A media genre centered on romantic relationships between male characters.GL / Girls’ Love
A media label for romantic relationships between female characters.
百合 (yuri)
A Japanese genre term associated with relationships and emotional intimacy between female characters.
やおい (yaoi)
An older fandom term associated with male–male relationship works; its use and nuance vary by generation and community.
These terms describe genres and fandom categories. They should not be used as labels for every real LGBTQ+ person or relationship.
5. Fan Creation and Event Terms
Doujin (同人): Like-Minded Creators and Independent Activity
Doujin originally refers to people who share the same interest, purpose, or creative tendency. In modern fandom, it can also refer broadly to independent creative activity.
Doujinshi (同人誌): Independently Produced Publication
A doujinshi is an independently produced publication created by an individual or circle.
・original manga
・fan comics
・novels
・essays
・criticism
・art books
・research
・photographyDoujinshi does not automatically mean adult material.
Learn more: What Do Doujin and Doujinshi Mean?
Ichiji Sousaku (一次創作): Original Creation
一次創作 (ichiji sōsaku) means an original creation using the creator’s own characters, setting, story, and ideas.
Niji Sousaku (二次創作): Derivative Fan Creation
二次創作 (niji sōsaku) means a derivative or fan-created work based on an existing property.
No. Derivative works may involve the original rights holder’s copyrights.
Creators should check the franchise’s official fan-work guidelines and avoid assuming that cultural tolerance equals legal permission.
Circle (サークル): A Creator or Creator Group
In doujin culture, a circle is the individual or group that creates and distributes works.
A circle may contain several members—or only one creator using a circle name.
Comiket (コミケ): Comic Market
Comiket is the common shortened name for Comic Market (コミックマーケット), a major Japanese event where circles distribute doujinshi and other self-produced creative works.
The official event culture treats creators, general attendees, cosplayers, and staff as participants who collectively make the event possible.
Sokubaikai (即売会): Direct-Sales Event
即売会 (sokubaikai) means a direct-sales event where creators offer works to participants.
doujinshi sales eventオンリーイベント
an event focused on one series, character, pairing, or narrow theme
Cosplay (コスプレ)
Cosplay comes from costume play. It means dressing and often performing as a character.
Cosplay may involve costume sewing, wig styling, armor-making, makeup, acting, photography, and event participation.
Coupling / CP (カップリング)
In Japanese fandom, coupling or CP refers to a romantic or imagined pairing of characters.
A and B as a pairingIn some fandom communities, the order of the names can communicate the characters’ roles within the relationship, so changing the order may change the intended pairing.
6. Merchandise and Fan Activity Terms
Goods (グッズ): Merchandise
In Japanese fan culture, グッズ (guzzu) commonly means merchandise.
・figures
・acrylic stands
・badges
・keychains
・posters
・plush toys
・cards
・clothing
・character-themed food packages
Figure (フィギュア)
A figure is a three-dimensional model of a character. Figures range from inexpensive prize items to large premium collectibles.
Akusuta (アクスタ): Acrylic Stand
アクスタ (akusuta) is short for アクリルスタンド, an acrylic character stand.
推しのアクスタを買いました。
Oshi no akusuta o kaimashita.
I bought an acrylic stand of my oshi.
Can Badge (缶バッジ)
A 缶バッジ (kan bajji) is a pin-back button badge. Fans often collect multiple badges of the same favorite character.
Ita-bag (痛バッグ): A Bag Decorated with Fan Merchandise
An ita-bag is a bag heavily decorated with badges, keychains, photographs, or other items featuring a favorite character or performer.
The 痛 (ita) suggests something so excessive or intense that it is “painful” to look at—often used affectionately and humorously.
Only your wallet may hurt!
The name jokingly refers to the intense visual display—or the embarrassment an outsider might imagine.
Itasha (痛車): A Vehicle Covered with Character Art
An itasha is a car or other vehicle decorated with large images, decals, and designs related to anime, games, idols, or characters.
It uses the same playful 痛い idea as ita-bag.
Dakimakura (抱き枕): Body Pillow
抱き枕 (dakimakura) literally means a pillow that you hug while sleeping.
In anime fandom, the word is often associated with long pillow covers printed with character artwork, but an ordinary unprinted body pillow is also a dakimakura.
Gacha (ガチャ): Randomized Item Draw
Gacha comes from capsule-toy vending machines and the sound associated with turning the handle.
In games, it describes a system in which players spend in-game currency or money for a randomized chance to receive characters or items.
to pull or roll the gacha爆死する
to spend many resources and fail to obtain the desired result
天井
a pity or guarantee limit after a certain number of pulls, when the game provides one
Seichi Junrei (聖地巡礼): Visiting Real-Life Locations from a Work
聖地巡礼 (seichi junrei) originally means pilgrimage to sacred places.
In anime and media fandom, it also means visiting real-world locations connected with a series, film, character, or creator.
アニメの舞台を聖地巡礼しました。
Anime no butai o seichi junrei shimashita.
I visited the real-life locations featured in the anime.
Otaku Vocabulary in One Conversation
Kondo no Komike, iku?
Are you going to the next Comiket?
Iku! Oshi no dōjinshi o dasu sākuru ga sanka suru n da.
Yes! A circle publishing a doujinshi about my oshi is participating.
Mata akusuta to kan bajji mo kau no?
Are you buying more acrylic stands and badges too?
Mochiron. Ita-baggu o kansei sasetai kara. Oshikatsu wa isogashii yo!
Of course. I want to finish my ita-bag. Supporting an oshi keeps you busy!
Exactly. The vocabulary becomes easier once you connect the terms:
oshi ⇒ the favorite
oshikatsu ⇒ supporting the favorite
goods ⇒ merchandise
ita-bag ⇒ displaying the merchandise
doujinshi ⇒ fan or independent publication
Comiket ⇒ a place to distribute and find those works
Beginner Cheat Sheet: Which Word Should I Use?
⇒ anime fanYou are deeply knowledgeable about a hobby
⇒ otaku
You jokingly describe your intense international anime fandom
⇒ weeb, when the community accepts the word
You support one character or performer most
⇒ oshi
You support the whole group
⇒ hako-oshi
You buy goods and attend events for your favorite
⇒ oshikatsu
You feel strong affection toward a character trait
⇒ moe
A cold character reveals a loving side
⇒ tsundere
You create or buy independent publications
⇒ doujinshi
You visit a real location featured in an anime
⇒ seichi junrei
Common Mistakes When Using Otaku Vocabulary
Mistake 1: Calling Every Anime Fan an Otaku
Some people enjoy anime casually. Anime fan is the safest neutral description.
Mistake 2: Treating Weeb and Otaku as Exact Synonyms
Otaku focuses on deep interest. Weeb traditionally criticizes an outsider’s excessive or stereotyped attitude toward Japan.
Mistake 3: Assuming Oshi Means Romantic Partner
An oshi may be a favorite actor, athlete, idol, fictional character, team, or group. Romantic attraction is not required.
Mistake 4: Thinking Moe Means Only “Cute”
Moe describes a strong affectionate response. Cuteness may cause it, but personality, vulnerability, voice, or contrast can also create moe.
Mistake 5: Using Character Archetypes as Medical Labels
Yandere and chuunibyou are fictional or joking cultural labels, not clinical diagnoses.
Mistake 6: Thinking Doujinshi Means Adult Manga
Doujinshi can be original or fan-made, all-ages or adult, and can contain manga, fiction, essays, art, or research.
Mistake 7: Assuming Every English Fandom Term Is Common in Japan
Waifu, husbando, best girl, and weeb are especially common in international fandom. Japanese fans may use different expressions such as 推し or 俺の嫁.
Mistake 8: Forcing Identity Labels on Other People
Terms such as otaku, weeb, fujoshi, and yumejoshi can be meaningful self-identities. Let people choose their own labels.
Mistake 9: Ignoring Copyright in Fan Creation
Fan art and doujin works may involve the original rights holder’s copyrights. Check official derivative-work guidelines before publishing or selling.
Natural Example Sentences
私はアニメファンですが、オタクというほど詳しくありません。
Watashi wa anime fan desu ga, otaku to iu hodo kuwashiku arimasen.
I’m an anime fan, but I’m not knowledgeable enough to call myself an otaku.
このキャラクターが私の推しです。
Kono kyarakutā ga watashi no oshi desu.
This character is my favorite.
グループ全員が好きなので箱推しです。
Gurūpu zen’in ga suki na no de hako-oshi desu.
I like every member, so I support the whole group.
週末は推し活でイベントに行きます。
Shūmatsu wa oshikatsu de ibento ni ikimasu.
I’m going to an event this weekend as part of my fan activities.
このツンデレキャラのギャップ萌えがすごい。
Kono tsundere kyara no gyappu moe ga sugoi.
The gap moe of this tsundere character is incredible.
推しの声優が新作アニメに出演します。
Oshi no seiyū ga shinsaku anime ni shutsuen shimasu.
My favorite voice actor will appear in a new anime.
コミケでオリジナル同人誌を頒布します。
Komike de orijinaru dōjinshi o hanpu shimasu.
I will distribute an original doujinshi at Comiket.
公式の二次創作ガイドラインを確認しました。
Kōshiki no niji sōsaku gaidorain o kakunin shimashita.
I checked the official derivative-work guidelines.
ガチャで最推しのキャラが出ました。
Gacha de sai-oshi no kyara ga demashita.
I pulled my number-one favorite character from the gacha.
推しの缶バッジで痛バッグを作りました。
Oshi no kan bajji de ita-baggu o tsukurimashita.
I made an ita-bag with badges of my favorite.
アニメの舞台になった町を聖地巡礼しました。
Anime no butai ni natta machi o seichi junrei shimashita.
I visited the town that served as the setting of the anime.
She is my favorite character, but I would not call her my waifu.
I call myself a weeb as a joke, but I do not use the word for strangers.
This light novel received a manga adaptation and then an anime adaptation.
The OVA continues a side story that was not included in the television season.
FAQ About Otaku Vocabulary and Anime Fan Terms
What does otaku mean?
Otaku means a person deeply absorbed in and highly knowledgeable about a particular interest. In Japan, the interest does not need to be anime.
What is the safest word for someone who likes anime?
Anime fan is the safest neutral term. Otaku suggests deeper involvement, while weeb may be teasing or insulting.
What does oshi mean?
Oshi is the person, character, team, or group that someone especially supports and recommends.
What is oshikatsu?
Oshikatsu means activities performed to support or celebrate an oshi, such as buying goods, attending events, watching content, or visiting related locations.
What is the difference between oshi and waifu?
Oshi means a favorite whom you support and does not need to involve romance. Waifu usually means a beloved fictional female character imagined as an ideal partner.
What does moe mean?
Moe is a strong feeling of affection, excitement, passion, or attraction toward a character or character trait. It does not simply mean cute.
What is a tsundere?
A tsundere is a character who behaves coldly or defensively but sometimes reveals a softer and affectionate side.
What is a yandere?
A yandere is a fictional archetype whose intense love becomes possessive, unstable, threatening, or dangerous. It is not a medical diagnosis.
What does seiyuu mean?
Seiyuu means voice actor. A seiyuu may work in anime, games, dubbing, narration, radio, music, and live performance.
What is a light novel?
A light novel is a Japanese publishing category commonly associated with accessible prose, illustrations, and anime- or game-oriented audiences. It is often shortened to ranobe.
What does isekai mean?
Isekai literally means another world. In isekai stories, a character travels, reincarnates, or becomes trapped in a different world.
What does doujinshi mean?
Doujinshi means an independently produced publication. It may be original or fan-made and does not automatically contain adult material.
What is Comiket?
Comiket is the shortened name for Comic Market, a major Japanese event where circles distribute doujinshi and other self-produced works.
What is a doujin circle?
A circle is the individual creator or creator group that produces doujin works. A circle may consist of only one person.
What is an ita-bag?
An ita-bag is a bag decorated with badges, keychains, photographs, or other merchandise featuring a favorite character or performer.
What is gacha?
Gacha is a randomized system for receiving characters or items, inspired by Japanese capsule-toy vending machines.
Are all of these words used in Japan?
No. Words such as oshi, moe, doujinshi, and seiyuu are established Japanese terms. Weeb, husbando, and best girl are especially associated with international fandom.
Is fan-created anime art legal?
Fan creation may involve the original rights holder’s copyrights. Check the property’s official derivative-work guidelines and applicable law before publishing or selling.
Summary: Essential Otaku Words and Anime Fan Terms
otaku, anime fan, weeb, fujoshi, fudanshi, yumejoshi, cosplayer● Favorites and support
oshi, sai-oshi, hako-oshi, oshikatsu, waifu, husbando, best girl, moe, gap moe, toutoi
● Character archetypes
tsundere, yandere, kuudere, dandere, deredere, chuunibyou
● Media and genre terms
anime, manga, light novel, visual novel, otome game, isekai, seiyuu, OVA, cour, fan service, BL, GL, yuri, yaoi
● Fan creation and events
doujin, doujinshi, ichiji sousaku, niji sousaku, circle, Comiket, sokubaikai, cosplay, coupling
● Goods and activities
goods, figure, acrylic stand, can badge, ita-bag, itasha, dakimakura, gacha, seichi junrei
No. Start with the words that connect directly to your interests.
Learn otaku for the fan, oshi for the favorite, oshikatsu for the activity, moe for the feeling, doujinshi for the fan publication, and Comiket for the event.
Once those connections are clear, the rest of the vocabulary becomes much easier to remember.
References
- Kotobank: 御宅 / オタク — Japanese meanings and historical development of otaku.
- Kotobank: 推し — dictionary definition and connection with 推しメン.
- Kotobank: 推し活 — fan-support activities including goods, events, communication, and location visits.
- Kotobank: 萌え — slang meaning of strong affection, passion, or desire toward a person or thing.
- Kotobank: ツンデレ — character behavior combining an aloof and affectionate side.
- goo Dictionary: 中二病 — definition of the slang term for exaggerated adolescent self-consciousness and behavior.
- Kotobank: 腐女子 — definition and self-deprecating origin of the label.
- Dictionary.com: otaku — English definition and pronunciation.
- Dictionary.com: weeaboo — definition and internet origin.
- Dictionary.com: waifu — international fandom meaning and history.
- Dictionary.com: husbando — male-equivalent fandom term.
- Kotobank: 同人誌 — literary history and modern derivative-work usage.
- Comic Market: What Is Comiket? — official explanation of self-published works and the event.
- Comic Market Beginner’s Guide — official explanation of participants and event culture.
- Agency for Cultural Affairs: Copyright Questions — official guidance on derivative fan works and rights-holder guidelines.
- Kotobank: Boys’ Love — definition and genre background.
- Kotobank: 乙女ゲーム — definition of the game category.