Buzz
Waifu has been an essential part of the anime world for ages.
In the realm of anime and manga, we encounter a plethora of intriguing jargon from otaku culture. Alongside terms originating from anime itself, there are many expressions or phrases coined by the community or popularized within a specific product before spreading across the internet. One of the most well-known terms is 'waifu' - a term used to denote one's favorite girl in anime.
So, what exactly does 'waifu' mean?
Essentially, 'waifu' is a term used to describe a girl with whom the viewer feels a special connection in the 2D world. 'Waifu' is a phonetic variation of the English word 'wife,' adapted due to Japanese pronunciation, thus becoming 'waifu.' This term gained prominence from the anime series Azumanga Daioh, where the character Mr. Kimura talks about his ideal wife to his students.
Subsequently, the term 'waifu' gained popularity within the anime-manga community in the latter half of the 2000s, as members of large forums consistently created humorous images or related phrases.
Apart from waifu, we also have other variations like the male version - husbando, inspired by husband, or bossu - inspired by boss. Although originating differently, their common essence remains unchanged.
Why is Waifu culture so prevalent?
Nowadays, 2D girls in anime-manga are increasingly popular. Additionally, they are portrayed as beautiful, impressive, and with much more diverse personalities compared to previous anime-manga products. This contributes to providing anime-manga enthusiasts with a much wider selection.
This, whether intentional or unintentional, has resonated with the masses, especially with males. All guys adore a beautiful, perfect, psychologically accurate girl, whether she's real or fictional. Keeping that girl to themselves makes many people feel more comfortable and infatuated with their waifu than ever before.
The beauties stepping out from comic books not only bring entertainment but also bring passion and the longing that these beautiful 2D girls are their wives - their waifus. The more expressive and diverse their personalities are, the more they are cherished and endear people to their waifus.
How famous is Waifu culture in Vietnam and globally?
Emerging since the late 2000s, the term 'Waifu' has now become more popular than ever. Not only favored in East Asian countries like Vietnam, China, or South Korea, waifu culture is also widely recognized in the West. However, not every usage of this term carries its true meaning; sometimes, netizens use it playfully to tease enthusiasts of 2D culture.
Fundamentally, everyone has their own unique interpretation of 'Waifu,' whether they watch anime-manga or not. Therefore, the increasing popularity and occasional teasing surrounding 'Waifu' are all part of the norm. No one can deny the fame of this term, and it will continue to be widely used in the future, especially within the otaku community.
