otaku

this word was originally used in japan to describe someone who enjoys anime and manga. the term later became derogatory when a japanese news station used it to describe a serial killer who had been a hermit and was obsessed with anime, manga, and doujn. When it crossed the pacific to America, otaku became a word popularly used to describe anime-con goers. the Japanese, who are always quick to pick up on American fads, soon used the phrase to describe a cool "geek chic" type of person, often found in the Akihabara district of Tokyo.

the kid who knew everything about Death note was a true otaku

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