Anime Dictionary

If you are new to the world of anime all the slang and lingo can get confusing. I have put together a 'dictionary' of terms you may or may not know.

Arc - a smaller story within the larger story. If Legend of Zelda were an anime, each temple would be considered its own arc.

Canon - an episode or part of a show that is in the original source material or is considered to be true to the author’s intentions (the opposite of fillers).

Dubbed - often shortened to dub. If an anime is dubbed over than that means a voice-over of another language than the original was used. Not all dubs are English.

Ed -  short for ending

Fanservice - material which was added to intentionally please the audience. Usually this comes in the form of ‘sexual eye candy’ (for example: dressing all the female characters in skimpy swimsuits). Fanservice for females is rare, but not unheard of.

Filler - a filler episode is based on material not found in the original source. While sometimes entertaining it does not pertain to the plot. (Note: Episodes can be neither canon or fillers.)

Genres - Most genres are pretty obvious, like action and romance. But, there are a few that are a little harder to figure out.

Ecchi - anime that contains sexual innuendos, usually for humor, literally translated it means ‘dirty’

Harem - where a male character lives with or is friends with a lot of female characters. An example of a reverse harem would be Fruits Basket

Hentai - anime with explicit sex

Shoujo - anime that is targeted toward girls

Shoujo Ai - anime that is about a relationship between female characters. The relationship is often romantic, but this genre focuses on the emotional rather than physical aspects.

Shounen - anime that is targeted toward boys

Shounen Ai - anime that is about a relationship between male characters. The relationship is often romantic, but this genre focuses on the emotional rather than physical aspects.

Slice of Life - anime with no clear plot usually set in everyday life.

Yaoi - anime that is about a romantic relationship between male characters (with sex)

Yuri - anime that is about a romantic relationship between female characters (with sex)

Keigo - formal Japanese

Light novel - short chapter books with illustrations

Op - short for opening

OST - acronym for Original (or Official) Sound Track

OVA - acronym for Original Video Animation. An OVA is usually an ‘extra episode’ that is not broadcasted on television

Subbed - often shortened to sub. For a sub the original voices are kept and subtitles in the target language are added.