Anime currently enjoys more mainstream popularity than ever before. Darling In the Franxx inspired Kim Kardashian West to dye her hair pink. Rooster Teeth's original animated series Gen:Lock -- which stars anime superfan Michael B. Jordan, Maisie Williams, and Dakota Fanning and has been picked up by HBO Max for a second season -- aired on Toonami last summer alongside Dragon Ball Super, Fire Force, and Food Wars! Yet anime fans worldwide still hear insults like "Otaku" and "Weeb" (or "Weeaboo") used mockingly against their passion for Japanese culture.

The two terms share general similarities in the West but come from very different places. Both have since evolved over time to be either brushed off or even worn as badges of honor among friends and fandoms. But where exactly did they come from, and what caused their meanings to shift among anime enthusiasts?

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In Japan, "otaku" refers to a person who is deeply consumed by their interests in pop culture, a hobby or any other form of entertainment -- similar to "geek" or "nerd" in the West. In comedy or romance anime with an otaku main character, he or she tends to be a shut-in or outcast who only grows and becomes more successful after some life-changing experiences, socializing and forging real friendships.

Although "otaku" already existed in some Japanese circles, its popularization in the East is widely credited to a 1983 article by writer Akio Nakamori which describes and stereotypes anime convention-goers in a Manga Burikko article. It essentially paints the entire demographic as socially challenged rejects who are either overweight or malnourished, shaming those associated with the term. A more intense negativity for "otaku" stemmed from the coverage of grisly serial killer Tsutomu Miyazaki's 1989 arrest, after which investigators discovered an extensive collection of anime and horror videos.

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In the West, "otaku" more generally refers to someone who's extremely enthusiastic about anime. Their room may be full of plush toys and figures, or there's a bookshelf full of manga, or perhaps their closet features more cosplays than formal wear. But, the hobby doesn't take over their daily routine or negatively impact their social relationships. It's just a passion proudly worn on one's sleeve.

"Weeaboo," on the other hand, is a more derogatory term referring to a non-Japanese person who loves aspects of the country's culture so much that they're perceived as wishing they were Japanese. An arm tattoo of kanji symbols that have a totally different meaning from what was intended? An insistence that J-pop is superior while looking down on all other genres of music? An anime obsession so intense that it affects one's daily life and ability to function? These types were the original targets of "weeaboo." It implies a full-blown addiction or obnoxiousness to the point that that person is disrespecting others for having tastes for n.

As with many other terms established in a specific culture or subculture, both "otaku" and "weeb" have morphed as they've spread across different countries and languages -- particularly "otaku" -- so much so that their meanings have grown more ambiguous and open to interpretation as the user sees fit.

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Today, "otaku" in the East or West is just as often taken as a label to be proudly worn. It implies someone has more knowledge about anime or manga than a "casual fan," keeps up extensively with news and releases, and has a cool collection of merchandise from their favorite series. The term is found in anime articles and social media posts across the internet, has a famous magazine named after it - Otaku USA - and is commonly used by convention organizers in various forms of advertising. Even if its original intention was negative, time, evolution, and culture shifts have seen it become a term of affection for many.

Despite its more derogatory connotation, "weeb" tends to be brushed off or even used comedically in a self-deprecating manner. While it is still used to describe the more obnoxious fans who put others down -- of whom there are plenty -- it is also often used as a gross generalization against people who don't deserve it. The general anime fandom's response shows the strength and positivity of the overall culture in turning it into a more laughable term.

"Otaku" has shifted multiple times with the medium's growth to become firmly embraced by anime cultures worldwide, while "weeb" is being owned by anime fans who just don't care what others think. Much like "nerd," both terms were once used to pigeonhole an entire group of people in different ways but have been turned on their head by fandoms and friends who just enjoy being open about their passions. Words are wind; as long as you're not being obnoxious about your fandom or rudely dismissing others' interests, all that really matters is enjoying what you love.

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