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Questions tagged [terminology]

For questions about anime/manga-related jargon like "moe", "visual novel", and "AMV". Avoid using this tag for questions about words that only have meaning in the context of a particular work.

The tag should be used for questions about anime/manga-related jargon like "moe", "visual novel", and "AMV".

Avoid using this tag for questions about words that only have meaning in the context of a particular work or franchise. For example, you should not use this tag for a question about the word "Hokage", because that word only means something in the Naruto universe.

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How are ditzy characters classified?

How are ditzy/airhead characters classified in anime/manga? For example, while Lucky Star's Kagami is a tsundere, her airhead sister, Tsukasa, is a ________?
coleopterist
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Why is pornographic anime and manga referred to as "hentai" by non-Japanese sources? And when did it start?

If you try to google "hentai definition" most result would define hentai as a Japanese genres of manga and anime with sexually explicit images and plots. But Wikipedia explains it otherwise: In Japanese, the term describes any type of perverse or…
Darjeeling
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What exactly does "best girl" mean and where did the expression originate from?

I've seen the expression "best girl" being used several times, and I find it quite self-explanatory. However, some people seem to define it in slightly different ways. Here are some different definitions from one or two reddit threads: It's when…
JNat
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What is the difference between "arc", "hen" and "season" when categorizing anime series sub-stories?

I always see that different stories in the same anime series are usually called with either "hen", "arc" or "season" as seen in the examples below. Hen (編) JoJo no Kimyou na Bouken - Stardust Crusaders - Egypt Hen Alps no Shoujo Heidi: Alm no Yama…
hkBattousai
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Why does Yomi relate 3661 with "Samurai"?

In the last episode of Azumanga Daioh, Yomi relates 3661 with samurai word. I know is a mnemonic technique to remember things, so things should be something like: 3 ~> sa ~> san 6 ~> mu ~> ??? (maybe shape of hiragana? む ) 6 ~> ra ~> ...roku?? 1…
Alter Lagos
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What is the actual meaning of "denpa"?

After watching a lot of "Ryuusei no Rockman", I've come to know the word "denpa" as meaning "wave", or "EM wave". Though I have heard it used in Katekyo Hitman Reborn as well. Is the rough translation of "wave" accurate?
Recovery One
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What is the block used to symbolize the end of a chapter called?

What do they call this bar? Is there official terminology for it? Sometimes they add filler text to explain the predicament the heroes are in inside of it or surrounding it. It also somewhat seems like a stamp to me. Examples: One…
yuritsuki
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English-English term for "Shōjo manga"

Is there a standardised English-English (as opposed to English that borrows words willy-nilly from Japanese) term for Shōjo manga (少女マンガ) used when describing it to people not familiar with manga and anime or the Japanese language? One person…
Andrew Grimm
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What is the simplified art style called that is often used when a character is emotional?

If there's even a name for it? I saw this question that explains why but I'd love to know if there's a name for it. The linked question mentions superdeformed but I figured there's a Japanese name, if there's anything. They do it in many anime (and…
Catija
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What does it mean for animation to be done "on ones" or "on twos"?

Animation is sometimes described as being done "on ones" or "on twos" or "on threes". What does that mean?
senshin
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Is the term 4koma a generic term?

I know the term 4koma only from the .hack series, in which it normally relates to the parody manga .hack//4koma, and it's also the title of the bonus videos unlocked in .hack//G.U. on the desktop. However, I have seen the term 4koma used in other…
Memor-X
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What is COMITIA? Is it different than Comiket?

In Pixiv, sometimes I saw that as title. Here is the example: [ COMITIA119 ] 星の花束. Seems like it's a doujin. This is the first image (cover) - if anyone interested. I found from Google that Comitia is a legal assembly of the people from ancient…
Darjeeling
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What is it called when an anime character is emotionless on the inside and sweet/kind on the outisde?

Emotionless on the inside meaning literally that, and sweet/kind on the outside as in being completely fake and pretending to like someone or be a happy person just for personal benefit or similar. No violent behavior or psychotic behavior other…
memechild
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Definition of a reverse trap

I am confused at how people describe gender roles and their trope classification in anime. I understand that traps are characters appearing to be girls but are actually guys. One of my favorite traps of all time is Steins;Gate's Ruka Urushibara.…
romcom_god
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On the origins of the term "forced drama" as it is used in discourse about anime

User /u/JekoJeko5 has recently posted on /r/anime his observation that the term "forced drama" is almost exclusively used in discussions of anime. It is difficult to give a concrete description of what "forced drama" is, but many users in the linked…
senshin
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