You’ll be seeing me use various jargon and abbreviations in my blog, so I’ve set up this page to help you understand what I mean. Chances are you’ve heard of these if you’re a regular in the anime and/or video game internet community but some people may not have. I’ve categorised the jargon and such into Anime and Video Games. There may be a word/phrase that can be applied to both, so I’ll put them in both categories anyway, since there’s a chance the meaning could change when the context changes.
If you see a word you don’t understand on this blog or elsewhere, just ask.
Anime
AMV: Anime Music Video. A fan-made video where a creator uses video clips from one or more anime and records audio onto the clips.
Ecchi: A Japanese pronunciation of the English letter “H”. When referring to a character in anime, it means the character is perverted or has a sexual nature, but when used as a means to categorise or describe a scene, it means there is some moderate/strong sexual fan-service.
Fanboy/Fangirl: A person who has an obsession with something that is beyond reasoning and doubt. Synonymous with Otaku.
Fan-service: A means to get the user excited. The most common method is the use of panty-shots, cleavage, tight/small clothing on women. However, there are other ways, such as music, references to other anime (or pop-culture) or action sequences. They usually have no affect whatsoever on the anime itself, but help add enjoyment for the viewer.
Mecha: Usually refers to a large robot piloted by people and made for military use. There are two types. Giant robots are used as machines of war (much like tanks) and many are produced. Super robots are very rare and always have a special power or ability that defies logic and science.
Moe: A Japanese word. It has no actual definition, but when the context is centred on something that is cute, adorable, etc, it is a word that can be used to describe the subject in question. Example: Oh man. That girl is so moe.
OP: Opening theme song.
Otaku: A Japanese word used to describe someone who is obsessed with a hobby, or something similar. It’s most commonly used outside of Japan to refer to obsessive anime fans, but can be used to describe obsessive people in general.
Seiyu: The Japanese word for voice actor/actress.
VA: Voice Actor.
Video Games
Fanboy/Fangirl: A person who has an obsession with something that is beyond reasoning and doubt. Synonymous with Otaku
FPS: First Person Shooter. A game genre where the player is fully immersed in the game by playing through the eyes of the main character. Such games usually involve a lot shooting and firearms, with the occasional puzzle and platforming thrown in.
Otaku: A Japanese word used to describe someone who is obsessed with a hobby, or something similar. It’s most commonly used outside of Japan to refer to obsessive anime fans, but can be used to describe obsessors in general.
RPG: Role Playing Game. A genre of game where the main character goes stronger as the game progresses.
Wiimote: Abbreviation of Wii Remote.
