"In modern Japanese slang, the term otaku is mostly equivalent to "geek" or "nerd".[6] However, it can relate to any fan of any particular theme, topic, hobby or form of entertainment.[6] "When these people are referred to as otaku, they are judged for their behaviors - and people suddenly see an ?otaku? as a person unable to relate to reality".[11][12] The word entered English as a loanword from the Japanese language. It is typically used to refer to a fan of anime/manga but can also refer to Japanese video games or Japanese culture in general. The American magazine Otaku USA popularizes and covers these aspects.[13][14] The usage of the word is a source of contention among some fans, owing to its negative connotations and stereotyping of the fandom. Widespread English exposure to the term came in 1988 with the release of Gunbuster, which referred to anime fans as otaku. Gunbuster was released officially in English in March 1990. The term's usage spread throughout rec.arts.anime with discussions about Otaku no Video's portrayal of otaku before its 1994 English release. Positive and negative aspects, including the pejorative usage, were intermixed.[14] The term was also popularized by William Gibson's 1996 novel Idoru, which references otaku.[15]"
If someone does make fun of me for being an Otaku and Weaboo, the only thing it proves is how ignorant and shallow they really are. And I don't care if I get made fun of. It only proves how much better than them I really am.
