Otaku is NOT a good self proclamation!

[IHZ]

Do you even KNOW what an Otaku is? In Japan they use this term to insult all these annoying fanboys and fangirls who take obsession into something like anime and Videogame.

Don't take me wrong though. I am obessed by anime and videogame to a regular state, however the term Otaku is used to describe all these 30 years old basement dwellers (boys and girls) who never leaves their house, and spend all their money on anime and videogames merchandise and have absolutely no social life whatsoever, It is also used by some japanese to make fun of the Americans Fangirls and Fanboys who are as obsessed by Japan as their own Otaku are obsessed over videogames and anime.

Now here is a little Copypasta from a popular encyclopedia website:

Otaku means "honourable house" and is a very polite term for "you" (with relative strangers); in the fandom sense, it was lightly insulting in Japanese due to the sarcasm involved in using a cold honorific on obsessives who probably don't deserve it (Japanese people are all amnesiacs and require constant reminding of who they are). Originally referring only to train-spotters and the like, the "house" part has caused it to drift into also being used as a heavily derogatory term for geeks who don't leave their houses. It is generally written only in katakana, to distinguish it from the non-derogatory use of the word, and to emphasize the fact that only stupid foreigners would ever take pride in such a label.

I'm making this topic for the sole purpose that it annoy me to see all these peoples calling themselves otaku when they don't know what that means, I'm not trying to make fun of anyone or be evil. I'm only saying that by calling yourself an otaku, you are making fun of yourself and if you were to use this term in Japan to refer yourself as an anime fan then you ARE insulting yourself.

Be careful and use the term "fan" rather than Otaku. Otaku is amean thing.

[Soren]

[FONT="Garamond"][SIZE="3"]I believe I entered into a discussion like this last time I frequented this board. Here's how the discussion wen tlast time.

Someone, like yourself, explained the derrogitory connotation of the term "Otaku", abd it's meaning of super-obssesed geeks who stay home all the time. Then someone, like myself, explained that a term or phrase imported from another country does not always retain its exact meaning in the other country. While in Japan, it is meant to be an insult, the word has taken on the new meaning of anime fan in America. Although I have no examples to give you, I am sure that this is not the first or the last time that the meaning of a phrase has been butchered or otherwise altered as it moved from one country to another. I believe that word in America has come to mean someone who has deeply imersed themselves in not only anime, but Japanese culture as well.

Besides, "otaku" sounds alot cooler than "anime fan" ;)[/SIZE][/FONT]

[Nerdsy]

[quote name='IHZ'] I'm not trying to make fun of anyone or be evil. I'm only saying that by calling yourself an otaku, you are making fun of yourself and if you were to use this term in Japan to refer yourself as an anime fan then you ARE insulting yourself.[/QUOTE]

[color=deeppink]You're not insulting yourself if you don't think that being otaku is a bad thing. Embrace the "insult," and it eventually loses meaning.

As for the meaning of "otaku" in Japan... most of us know. None of us care.[/color]

[Aaryanna]

[COLOR="goldenrod"][FONT="Comic Sans MS"][quote name='IHZ;785873]Do you even KNOW what an Otaku is? In Japan they use this term to insult all these annoying fanboys and fangirls who take obsession into something like anime and Videogame.[/QUOTE]Sure we do, but the thing is... We aren't in Japan. And as others pointed out words don't have the same meaning or rather cultural stigma in other counties that they do in the one of origin. So in that context it doesn't matter.[quote name='IHZ;785873']Don't take me wrong though. I am obessed by anime and videogame to a regular state, however the term Otaku is used to describe all these 30 years old basement dwellers (boys and girls) who never leaves their house, and spend all their money on anime and videogames merchandise and have absolutely no social life whatsoever, It is also used by some japanese to make fun of the Americans Fangirls and Fanboys who are as obsessed by Japan as their own Otaku are obsessed over videogames and anime.[/quote]No Otaku is used to describe someone who is from that country and raised in their culture as being obsessed. To turn around and call someone who's say American like I am or Australian like James is an Otaku... Well it just doesn't work since neither one of us is Japanese nor do we fit into what someone there would consider an Otaku. It's a catch phrase if you will since at this point it's out of context as far as it's originally meaning is. Even if people there are using it to be insulting towards others since on the flip side, they don't understand what we would consider obsessive behavior. lol[QUOTE=IHZ']Now here is a little Copypasta from a popular encyclopedia website:

Otaku means "honourable house" and is a very polite term for "you" (with relative strangers); in the fandom sense, it was lightly insulting in Japanese due to the sarcasm involved in using a cold honorific on obsessives who probably don't deserve it (Japanese people are all amnesiacs and require constant reminding of who they are). Originally referring only to train-spotters and the like, the "house" part has caused it to drift into also being used as a heavily derogatory term for geeks who don't leave their houses. It is generally written only in katakana, to distinguish it from the non-derogatory use of the word, and to emphasize the fact that only stupid foreigners would ever take pride in such a label. [/QUOTE]You've still missed the point. For someone who isn't Japanese the meaning of the word really is meaningless unless one were to find a comparable or similar term, like perhaps nerd or geek. Something that I can actually understand. lol And in the end does it really matter? I'm sure they have taken English words and butchered them to mean something else. I'd hardly consider it an event to get worked up over. It happens and if anything the ones thinking it's stupid need to simply chill and relax. [quote name='IHZ']I'm making this topic for the sole purpose that it annoy me to see all these peoples calling themselves otaku when they don't know what that means, I'm not trying to make fun of anyone or be evil. I'm only saying that by calling yourself an otaku, you are making fun of yourself and if you were to use this term in Japan to refer yourself as an anime fan then you ARE insulting yourself.

Be careful and use the term "fan" rather than Otaku. Otaku is amean thing.[/QUOTE]I'll say it again... Relax. ^_~ It's not the end of the world nor is it annoying. And whether or not we know what it 'truly' means is irrelevant. Besides, if you can't make fun of yourself at times, that truly would be an insult. lol

Also, if I was in Japan, I'm quite sure that referring to myself as an Otaku would be taken as an American who didn't understand the word and nothing else. I would imagine that it would be seen as ignorance instead of any real insult. [/FONT][/COLOR]

[eleanor]

[quote name='Aaryanna'][COLOR="goldenrod"][FONT="Comic Sans MS"]No Otaku is used to describe someone who is from that country and raised in their culture as being obsessed. To turn around and call someone who's say American like I am or Australian like James is an Otaku... Well it just doesn't work since neither one of us is Japanese nor do we fit into what someone there would consider an Otaku. It's a catch phrase if you will since at this point it's out of context as far as it's originally meaning is. Even if people there are using it to be insulting towards others since on the flip side, they don't understand what we would consider obsessive behavior. [/FONT][/COLOR][/QUOTE]

[font="trebuchet ms"] That's like saying we can't call Japanese people 'butthead', which probably originated in the US. Are you saying just because a language is different you can't use it to describe other ethnicities... ? [/font]

[Aaryanna]

[COLOR="goldenrod"][FONT="Comic Sans MS"][quote name='Lunox'][font="trebuchet ms"] That's like saying we can't call Japanese people 'butthead', which probably originated in the US. Are you saying just because a language is different you can't use it to describe other ethnicities... ? [/font][/QUOTE]No, only that our definition of butthead could be wildly inaccurate due to their lack of understanding the behavior that would lead to us calling them that. ^_~ I could call someone that, just as they might call me an Otaku, but in the end, it just might not be accurate.

I'm saying that the behavior that I would call someone a butthead over to someone else wouldn't necessarily be 'bad' behavior due to cultural differences. In other words in that sense we aren't true Otaku as they would consider it and I'm sure that for butthead on some level that would be true for them too.[/FONT][/COLOR]

[eleanor]

[quote name='Aaryanna'][COLOR="goldenrod"][FONT="Comic Sans MS"]No, only that our definition of butthead could be wildly inaccurate due to their lack of understanding the behavior that would lead to us calling them that. ^_~ I could call someone that, just as they might call me an Otaku, but in the end, it just might not be accurate.

I'm saying that the behavior that I would call someone a butthead over to someone else wouldn't necessarily be 'bad' behavior due to cultural differences. In other words in that sense we aren't true Otaku as they would consider it and I'm sure that for butthead on some level that would be true for them too.[/FONT][/COLOR][/QUOTE]

[font="trebuchet ms"] Even considering cultural differences, there are just some actions that are universal. If your whole life revolves around one obsession, it'd be safe for someone to call you an Otaku. Cultural connotations aside, it's a word that means being obsessed about something, particularly anime/manga/hentai. You don't really have to be born in Japan to be called one. I think I'm taking this too seriously. XD

Though I'm not defending anyone in this thread, lol. Language is meant to be taken by others and made their own, because that's pretty much how it evolves. [/font]

[Roleni-Chan]

[quote name='Aaryanna'][COLOR="goldenrod"][FONT="Comic Sans MS"]No, only that our definition of butthead could be wildly inaccurate due to their lack of understanding the behavior that would lead to us calling them that. ^_~ I could call someone that, just as they might call me an Otaku, but in the end, it just might not be accurate.
[/FONT][/COLOR][/QUOTE]

You said it better than I.

I notice people dont think the same, some put it as an insult and some just dont care.

[Aaryanna]

[COLOR="goldenrod"][FONT="Comic Sans MS"][quote name='Lunox'][font="trebuchet ms"]Though I'm not defending anyone in this thread, lol.[B] Language is meant to be taken by others and made their own, because that's pretty much how it evolves. [/B][/font][/QUOTE]Heh, exactly. Perhaps I'm not getting my point across well enough, but that's what I'm getting at. By labeling ourselves Otaku most of us here aren't going by the actual literal translation of what it's suppose to mean. In America most of the people I know use it because we like anime, not because we think we are truly obsessed with it. In other words it's a catch phrase for us, not one meant to represent it's origins. [/FONT][/COLOR]

[eleanor]

[quote name='Aaryanna'][COLOR="goldenrod"][FONT="Comic Sans MS"]Heh, exactly. Perhaps I'm not getting my point across well enough, but that's what I'm getting at. By labeling ourselves Otaku most of us here aren't going by the actual literal translation of what it's suppose to mean. In America most of the people I know use it because we like anime, not because we think we are truly obsessed with it. In other words it's a catch phrase for us, not one meant to represent it's origins. [/FONT][/COLOR][/QUOTE]

[font="trebuchet ms"] Yeah, I know. I was just saying it's too liberal to apply that to any cultural slang.[/font]

[Desbreko]

[center][img]http://img179.imageshack.us/img179/9665/futonjpad8.jpg[/img] [img]http://img179.imageshack.us/img179/6485/futonuspu2.jpg[/img][/center]
[color=#4B0082]All your language are belong to us.[/color]

[Semjaza]

Who cares?

It's like nerds getting upset that they're called nerds. I'm willing to be there are people that wear all of these "insults" as some sort of badge of honor.

[James]

[color=#606060]I think the term "Otaku" is used almost as a humorous self-deprication, lol.

It's designed to be an exaggeration when used in the west - if you're an Otaku I'd say you're almost making light of your obsession with a particular subject.

With a word like this, you can not be too literal. The word "Otaku" - as it is used in this network for instance - is intended to be viewed in the more modern, western interpretation. This is a valid interpretation based on what I mentioned above - don't forget that humor itself is generally quite different in the west compared to Japan as well.

Even if a Japanese person took "Otaku" literally, they'd be missing the point in terms of how westerners interpret it - or how it's partially intended as a deliberate humorous/endearing exaggeration.[/color]

[Korey]

[FONT="Georgia"][SIZE="2"]Also the word Otaku can apply to any sort of infromation specialist. I've heard the developers of Final Fantasy 12 call themselves "History Otaku". That does this mean that they are history obessed people who never surface for air besides the occasional need to get substinence and relieve themselves....? Certainlly not. I think in this sense, the word Otaku can be connotated as meaning "Expert or knowledgeable person" . So I don't think that using the strict defintions on a doubtable source such as Wikipedia, can be truly be the absolute meaning of the word Otaku.

I call myself an Otaku on many different subjects: Journalism, Rhythym games, Fighting games, and so on and so forth. I don't think that it's a bad thing at all. Just don't take yourself too seriously though. Everyone has a little Otaku in them, whether it would be music, or clothing design and so forth. [/SIZE][/FONT]

[Charles]

[quote name='IHZ']Do you even KNOW what an Otaku is? In Japan they use this term to insult all these annoying fanboys and fangirls who take obsession into something like anime and Videogame.[/QUOTE]

Yikes! The things you learn after all these years.

Quick, someone change the name of the boards ASAP before it's too late!

[pooperson]

[quote name='IHZ']Otaku is a mean thing.[/QUOTE]

[COLOR="DeepSkyBlue"][SIZE="1"]Well, that works out because we're all very, very mean people. (I kid!)[/SIZE][/COLOR]

[vegeta rocker]

[quote name='IHZ']Do you even KNOW what an Otaku is? In Japan they use this term to insult all these annoying fanboys and fangirls who take obsession into something like anime and Videogame.

Don't take me wrong though. I am obessed by anime and videogame to a regular state, however the term Otaku is used to describe all these 30 years old basement dwellers (boys and girls) who never leaves their house, and spend all their money on anime and videogames merchandise and have absolutely no social life whatsoever, It is also used by some japanese to make fun of the Americans Fangirls and Fanboys who are as obsessed by Japan as their own Otaku are obsessed over videogames and anime.

Now here is a little Copypasta from a popular encyclopedia website:

Otaku means "honourable house" and is a very polite term for "you" (with relative strangers); in the fandom sense, it was lightly insulting in Japanese due to the sarcasm involved in using a cold honorific on obsessives who probably don't deserve it (Japanese people are all amnesiacs and require constant reminding of who they are). Originally referring only to train-spotters and the like, the "house" part has caused it to drift into also being used as a heavily derogatory term for geeks who don't leave their houses. It is generally written only in katakana, to distinguish it from the non-derogatory use of the word, and to emphasize the fact that only stupid foreigners would ever take pride in such a label.

I'm making this topic for the sole purpose that it annoy me to see all these peoples calling themselves otaku when they don't know what that means, I'm not trying to make fun of anyone or be evil. I'm only saying that by calling yourself an otaku, you are making fun of yourself and if you were to use this term in Japan to refer yourself as an anime fan then you ARE insulting yourself.

Be careful and use the term "fan" rather than Otaku. Otaku is amean thing.[/QUOTE]



...

Every so often someone comes along with such a self righteous air they would think we would all frequent a forum with a title that we know nothing about.

You need to get off your high horse and stop pretendng like you are educating anyone.

And there are plenty of japanese people obsessed with American things, so don't make it sound so one sided.

[Charles]

Eh, I don't know, vegeta rocker.

I'll bet that there are a number of members here who have little knowledge of what "otaku" means.

By the way, did you know that Vegeta initially started off as an antagonist in DragonBallZ? Throughout the series he displays a headstrong attitude and he constantly puts his own pride and ego at a higher priority than logic, which jeapordizes those closest to him.

Perhaps you should consider THAT before choosing a user name. Then again, you could be referring to the term "vegeta" as a food--and vegetables do indeed rock. So, you're vindicated.

[Aberinkula]

[COLOR="Navy"]Quick everyone hide under you desks, there's truth amung us!

Calling the cettle black aren't we? Here on OB otaku is a compliment really. And part of the compound word 'Otakuboards.' And without the word otaku, Otakuboards would never be alive and kicking!

Plus that and calling OB [B]FanBoards[/B] instead of otakuBoards would sound very ugly and unattracting. it would be like putting a moustache on Angelina Joelie.[/COLOR]

[Konata]

Actually I was a bit reluctant to coming here because it had "Otaku" in it. But it seemed like a reasonable and good community, (not to mention TheOtaku is a pretty good news source) so I'm fine with it ^-^'

[Sandy]

[quote name='IHZ']However the term Otaku is used to describe all these 30 years old basement dwellers (boys and girls) who never leaves their house, and spend all their money on anime and videogames merchandise and have absolutely no social life whatsoever.[/QUOTE]

Who says we aren't like that?

People should learn some self-irony, it really helps in life. ;D

[ShinigamiNoMiko]

That might be true in Japan, but are most of us on here Japanese OR living in Japan? No, no we're not.

The fact you can take a foreign word and give it your own meaning. There are two definitions for otaku now and two kinds of people who use them.

There are some anime fans who stay absolutely ridgidly true to the Japanese meaning and use otaku as an insult. Then there are fans who will proudly stand up and shout. "I am otaku!" Why? Because these fans have just lightened the menaing for themselves. They're saying they're passionate about what they love. It's not that they're obessed, it's just something easier then, "Hi, I am so and so and I am REALLY, REALLY into anime/gaming/ whatever."

Just lighten up and roll with it.

[James]

[color=#606060]I don't know, Premonition...I've been thinking about changing our name to FanBoards for quite a while.

Then we'd have a [i]truly[/i] fun site! :blulaugh:[/color]

[Gavin]

[quote name='Nerdsy'][color=deeppink]As for the meaning of "otaku" in Japan... most of us know. None of us care.[/color][/QUOTE]

[SIZE="1"]Sums up pretty much all my thoughts on the subject.[/SIZE]

[quote name='Desbreko'][center][img]http://img179.imageshack.us/img179/9665/futonjpad8.jpg[/img] [img]http://img179.imageshack.us/img179/6485/futonuspu2.jpg[/img][/center]
[color=#4B0082]All your language are belong to us.[/color][/QUOTE]

[size=1]Haha pwned ![/size]

[IHZ]

Wow...

2 pages already?

I didn't think that so many peoples would reply to this, well I've read most of all yours posts and seriously you've changed my view out of it. I must admit I was planning on getting a bunch of hatemail from everyone who would reply, I'm really sorry for I have misjudged you all. I didn't suscribe to the forum to make rants but since the website is called "otaku" I wanted to spread the message here, you're all very smart and think how all true fans should think.

I am, however, used to the real 'stupid' fans who called themselves otakus without knowing it's meaning but when I used to tell them they would enter in all CAPS LOCK mode to tell me how I suck that I know nothing of Anime and that I'm just a dip***.

I'm happy to see that I finally stumbled on a good forum with peoples who actually think smoothly.