Chibi
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Chibi is a noun originated in the Japanese language to describe a short person or child. It may also connote a derogatory meaning when addressing a minor.
Chibi and Popular Culture
In Western fanfiction a chibi is a child-like version of an anime or manga character, who is older in the original series. A chibi rendition of a character is usually done for comedic purposes. Sometimes it is used as a modifier with a name to denote a child version of a character, (e.g. Chibi Vegeta, Chibi Malik) This usage is used chiefly for anime or manga characters. Chibis are typically known to be super-kawaii, speak in a childlike voice (e.g. "Hewoo, Mir-ray-oo"), have irresistible puppy eyes, and a mischevious personality. Chibis also tend to not have fingers; their hands closely resemble those of the Powerpuff Girls.
Recreational anime artists sometimes use the term Super deformed interchangeably with chibi and some use it to describe a child or baby version of an anime or manga character.
Chibi is also used to show extreme signs of emotion through small versions of the character, usually with no nose, and have distinct cultural references to Japan.
The term Chibi was popularized by the anime Sailor Moon in the character Chibi-Usa/Chibi-Moon, who was a younger version of Sailor Moon (Chibi-Usa as in Chibi Usagi). An even tinier character in the same anime was named Chibi Chibi (approximately 3 years old).
See also
Categories: Anime | Manga