Do you take offense to the term "Otaku"?

[Anime Forum]

Believe it or not, the term "Otaku" can be seen as a jab towards anime fans and I've seen a couple people in my time not liked to be called one because of that reason.

I personally don't care if I'm labeled an Otaku. Actually, I call myself one from time to time.

What about you?

[DenjaX]

IMO, anyone who use the word "Otaku" to jab on anime fans are either anime fans themselves or weaboos. How else could they know that word and even use it as a term?

Hence, why I don't take offense about it because they are the same as well.

[Anime Forum]

IMO, anyone who use the word "Otaku" to jab on anime fans are either anime fans themselves or weaboos. How else could they know that word and even use it as a term?

That is true, though I've heard in Japan that the word Otaku gets thrown around much more than it does here in the States so I'm guessing in the very least there are plenty of non anime fans over there who know the term.

Plus, never underestimate the knowledge haters have.

[ChibiLovett]

Yoko has a very good point. Haters sometimes are surprisingly knowledgeable as far as how to insult you.

But to the point of the thread, I do not. I call myself an otaku on occasion. I see no problem with it at all.

[kotov9syndrome]

first time hearing about it, and i don't care lol. omg i watch anime???? how would saying so offend me? it shouldn't. levelheadedness is the best way to dis a hater haha.

[Azula, The Sorceress]

IMO, anyone who use the word "Otaku" to jab on anime fans are either anime fans themselves or weaboos. How else could they know that word and even use it as a term?

Hence, why I don't take offense about it because they are the same as well.

Unless they are from Japan, I heard some one say once that it has a negative meaning in Japan.

But really I wouldn't be offended, I find the words Geek, and Nerd more offensive and even then it depends on the context in which the word is being used, if it is being used as an insult then I will stand up for Otaku every where, after all I am the Great and Powerful Wizard of Az................................................ .................................................. ..

[Zainox]

Doesn't bother me. I actually have a few friends who call me Otaku or Weaboo at times. Though most people I've seen just insult with geek or nerd. Though I find insults are weak and petty, I'm no longer phased by them.

People are gonna hate no matter what you do, why let it affect you?


I mostly label myself as a nerd around my friends, but they aren't heavy into the anime/japanese scene like I am. If I'm with people I know like anime, then I tend to change the label to Otaku. It all depends.

[Riverflower]

People will always hate, I suspect.
But I would say it is just another way of life, is it not?
As long you know who you are, it doesn't matter what others tell you :)

[Sympathy]

i don't like being called an otaku. the word otaku for me conjurs an image of an overweight teenager with acne sitting in his mom's basement watching anime literally all day and jacking off to hentai

i haven't even watched anime in months, i watch abridged series' way more (Yugioh abridged, DBZ abridged). i still love anime but i haven't had the interest for some reason. i think i might be growing out of it? and starting to think it's corny? i don't know, i haven't given it much thought.

[Lord Xasthur]

I don't take offense to anything somebody calls me, especially not otaku, nerd, or geek, seeing as I am those things, it doesn't matter if somebody labels you as something, as long as you know you are not that particular label, it shouldn't matter because it means nothing.

Although if you know you are a specific label, or call yourself a specific label, I guess you could say you are that label, but at the same time labels don't exist, and we are all ningen.

Who cares though? Should you honestly put your feelings on the line when someone calls you something you don't like?

For example I may sometimes be referred to as an emo or goth, but I pay it no mind, seeing as I'm actually anti-emo, and I'm not a goth, just a metalhead. Therefore, what somebody calls me does not phase me, merely makes me laugh at the unintelligible crap people can spew from their mouths.


Know what you are talking about, or calling someone before you do it, or it just makes you look like another one of those useless ignorant fools in this world. :3

[ParaParaJMo]

In Japan, "otaku" has slowly been losing its negative connotations thanks to the Densha Otoko franchise. It's really becoming more of a "joke" word and not really used to maliciously insult someone. Many people think otakus are not bad people because they do have a sense of loyalty, a very valued quality.

Otaku in Japan is being more loosely used these days. Like if you show you know something about enka, visual kei, K-Pop Japanese baseball, 1980s and 1990s Jpop, or Japanese history then they will say you are something of an otaku but with no negative intent, but to mean you are pretty knowledgeable about something. I have been called an otaku by Japanese for countless things not anime related.

Really, the negative term for people who stay at home all day is "hikkikomori."

[Anime Forum]

i don't like being called an otaku. the word otaku for me conjurs an image of an overweight teenager with acne sitting in his mom's basement watching anime literally all day and jacking off to hentai

i haven't even watched anime in months, i watch abridged series' way more (Yugioh abridged, DBZ abridged). i still love anime but i haven't had the interest for some reason. i think i might be growing out of it? and starting to think it's corny? i don't know, i haven't given it much thought.

Hey. Not all of us are like VG.

---------- Post added at 08:39 PM ---------- Previous post was at 08:38 PM ----------


In Japan, "otaku" has slowly been losing its negative connotations thanks to the Densha Otoko franchise. It's really becoming more of a "joke" word and not really used to maliciously insult someone. Many people think otakus are not bad people because they do have a sense of loyalty, a very valued quality.

Otaku in Japan is being more loosely used these days. Like if you show you know something about enka, visual kei, K-Pop Japanese baseball, 1980s and 1990s Jpop, or Japanese history then they will say you are something of an otaku but with no negative intent, but to mean you are pretty knowledgeable about something. I have been called an otaku by Japanese for countless things not anime related.

Really, the negative term for people who stay at home all day is "hikkikomori."

The term "hikkikomori" has been used quite a lot recently in anime. Outbreak Company was one of the latest that referenced that lifestyle.

---------- Post added at 08:40 PM ---------- Previous post was at 08:39 PM ----------


Doesn't bother me. I actually have a few friends who call me Otaku or Weaboo at times. Though most people I've seen just insult with geek or nerd. Though I find insults are weak and petty, I'm no longer phased by them.

People are gonna hate no matter what you do, why let it affect you?


I mostly label myself as a nerd around my friends, but they aren't heavy into the anime/japanese scene like I am. If I'm with people I know like anime, then I tend to change the label to Otaku. It all depends.

I sorta understand what you mean. I mean, no reason to call yourself an otaku to friends that barely even know what the word means.

[Miss Moonlight]

No, not really. I've never been called one. I used to be far more into the whole anime/japanese culture thing when I was in highschool, but since then it's just become more of a fleeting hobby that I continue out of loyalty/nostalgia.

Although my current avatar, chosen in excitement for the new upcoming sailormoon series, might make a liar of me ...

[Sympathy]

Hey. Not all of us are like VG.

i didn't mean that's how i see people who label themselves otaku, it's just a false impression i have about the word itself. it's why i don't like being called an otaku.

[Albear]

Nope.

[mr.kudos]

Otaku is just another word for nerd...so I guess 50% yes and 50% no..but whether what they call it...I still love what I love and that's what matters

[symphofear]

Depending on who calling me an 'otaku'. Example ppl who actually stereotype it as hentai or ppl with no life.

[Anime Forum]

Depending on who calling me an 'otaku'. Example ppl who actually stereotype it as hentai or ppl with no life.

Those people could be defined as ignorant. I really never understood how a person could call an anime "animated porn", but then will turn around and say it is for little kids in another argument. Its almost like they have no idea what anime truly is o_O..

[Hanamaru Kunikida]

Being called an Otaku is as offensive as being called a Gamer.

[Ai-no-Miko]

Ten years ago it bothered me A LOT, mainly because it fairly accurately described me. I was a loud an obnoxious little fangirl who didn't care about anything else that wasn't anime or manga. However, I wanted to be considered "knowledgeable" not creepy, so I protested to the hills against it every time someone called me that on a forum or at a con. Nowadays because I'm not nearly as obsessive, and because I don't care NEARLY as much of what people think of me, I couldn't care less.
Call me what you will, but it doesn't change who I know I am.

[Velvet_Nightmare]

Not really. I've never been called an "otaku" in a negative sense, and even if it was directed towards me as a negative comment, I'd shrug it off, because I'm not gonna deny being a nerd. I've been called a weaboo before, but that's from internet trolls trying to get a rise just like they all internet trolls do.

These images two come to mind:

http://ecosalon.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/inspirational-quotes-simon-pegg-455x284.png
http://static.fjcdn.com/pictures/Captain+Jack_fdb2b8_4919356.png

Mind you, nerds can be real a-holes to other nerds, but again, shrug it off, don't ever say sorry for having a passion. Unless it gets creepy and unhealthy, which everyone has a different opinion on.

I'm rambling, someone stop me. T_T

[Anime Forum]

Not really. I've never been called an "otaku" in a negative sense, and even if it was directed towards me as a negative comment, I'd shrug it off, because I'm not gonna deny being a nerd. I've been called a weaboo before, but that's from internet trolls trying to get a rise just like they all internet trolls do.

These images two come to mind:

http://ecosalon.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/inspirational-quotes-simon-pegg-455x284.png
http://static.fjcdn.com/pictures/Captain+Jack_fdb2b8_4919356.png

Mind you, nerds can be real a-holes to other nerds, but again, shrug it off, don't ever say sorry for having a passion. Unless it gets creepy and unhealthy, which everyone has a different opinion on.

I'm rambling, someone stop me. T_T

Go watch those Kokoro Connect Ovas. That should help stop your rant!

[Velvet_Nightmare]

Go watch those Kokoro Connect Ovas. That should help stop your rant!

I already did! XD

[Toshiro Tazukura]

I don't mind being called otaku as a matter of fact its awesome

[AllHopeInEclipse]

I just generalize the word as 'fanboy', so in most circumstances I wouldn't care. If a buddy referred to me as an otaku/fanboy, I wouldn't care. If some anime fan/nerd/dork called me any Japanese slang word or otherwise in a context meant to offend me, I'd kick their teeth in. In English conversations, I greatly dislike the random usage of another languages' words that have direct English translations, when they're out of context of the conversation. (IE: Otaku, baka, etc.)

[Anime Forum]

I just generalize the word as 'fanboy', so in most circumstances I wouldn't care. If a buddy referred to me as an otaku/fanboy, I wouldn't care. If some anime fan/nerd/dork called me any Japanese slang word or otherwise in a context meant to offend me, I'd kick their teeth in. In English conversations, I greatly dislike the random usage of another languages' words that have direct English translations, when they're out of context of the conversation. (IE: Otaku, baka, etc.)

You damn Otaku.

Lets fight!

[AllHopeInEclipse]

You damn Otaku.

Lets fight!

http://openclipart.org/image/800px/svg_to_png/130657/AwesomeSmile.png

[Watayo_Hirashi]

I don't really care, cuz' in a sense, I AM an otaku. I like to stay at home, if I could, forever. But that's kinda impossible for me, so I can't be classified as a hikkomori, that's a little too over the top. I understand that otaku is an offensive term to the Japanese, and I think some people might think I do not understand the term "otaku" if I were to call myself one, but I completely comprehend the meaning of it. However, I refrain from calling others otaku, because I do understand other people might not like it. I used to be such a douche bag, calling people otaku. *facepalm*

[星らぶ]

like every Japanese word used by westerners otaku too is misused
otaku literally means "one's home" for example when a groom talks with his father in law, the old man welcomes the groom into his "otaku"
for a long time was used also to describe those obsessed with something that they stay in their house into dark rooms, and they go out only when then favourite thing is involved in the outing.
in recent days the word might not but as offensive as it used to but it is still are, and those who want to attack another fan of something they wont say: "you Xfan blah blah blah" but "you are Xota what can anyone expect"

so personally I do not like to be called otaku especially about anime (because I dont watch that much)
I sometimes use the "zukaota" term for me because zuka fandom is completely different but still I dont use it very often.

[SCHIZOSAURUS]

I really don't care if someone calls me an Otaku or not. I just see it as being a fan of anime and things that relate to anime. I don't see why it should offend anyone. I actually kind of like it. XD

[AbedFa]

I couldn't care less, whether people call me an Otaku or not, it doesn't change the fact that I like Anime, nor do I plan on changing.
If you gon' take it as an offense then you'll be offended, if you ignore it, or actually be gladly called an Otaku then it's only natural that nothing's gonna shake you. Well, that's what I think ;o

[SGI]

for a long time was used also to describe those obsessed with something that they stay in their house into dark rooms, and they go out only when then favourite thing is involved in the outing.
in recent days the word might not but as offensive as it used to but it is still are, and those who want to attack another fan of something they wont say: "you Xfan blah blah blah" but "you are Xota what can anyone expect"

so personally I do not like to be called otaku especially about anime (because I dont watch that much)

This... basically I see being called an "otaku" as being little different to being called a poopsocker. The connotations aren't that different. I'm not huge into anime, but even back in the 90's when I was a huge fan, and people were wearing the term with pride I shyed away from it.

[Yung A$$eroya]

I honestly don't care, but I don't go around calling myself an otaku..

[Inactive_Account]

Usually when people call themselves an otaku I think they're a wee-a-boo.

Regarding myself, I don't really care.

[SigmaSD]

I know its supposed to be an offensive word but I don't care. Though its hard to be called an Otaku nowadays when I hardly watch any anime. But I agree with the above post that you're probably a weabo if you call yourself one.

[Kumagawa]

otaku is not really an offensive word though.

[mukyo]

i believe otaku roughly translates to being a "geek" in a japan. as to say, otaku doesn't necessarily mean being an obsessive fan of anime/manga alone; it could be anything as long being passionate into something. train otaku, skateboard otaku, stamp otaku etc.
but i think you guys already know that...

to answer that no, i don't mind. but like Asseroya said, i don't call myself around that either.

[Flostier]

Well it depends on how they use it, but generally i don't really care.