Chibi (style)
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Chibi, also known as super deformation (SD), is an art style originating in Japan, and common in anime and manga where characters are drawn in an exaggerated way, typically small and chubby with stubby limbs, oversized eyes, oversized heads, tiny noses, tiny bodies, and minimal detail. The style has found its way into the anime and manga fandom through its usage in manga works and merchandising.
Word usage and etymology
The English term chibi derives from the Japanese Template:Nihongo3,<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> where Template:Nihongo is a colloquial word for very short people and children, itself deriving from Template:Nihongo3,<ref>Template:Cite book</ref> and Template:Nihongo is loaned from the English "character".<ref>Template:Cite book</ref>
"Super deformed" and "S.D." come from Japanese Template:Nihongo3, itself from French Template:Lang.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
Appearance and media usage
File:Proper Chibi Proportions.webm Compared to the average anime character, usually about seven to eight heads tall,<ref name="headheight">Template:Cite web</ref> the head of a super-deformed character is normally anywhere between one third and one half the character's height.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> In addition to their modified proportions, super-deformed characters typically lack the detail of their normal counterparts. As a result, when a character of average proportions is depicted as a super-deformed character, certain aspects of their design will be simplified and others will be more exaggerated. Details such as folds on a jacket are ignored, and general shapes are favored. If a character has a signature characteristic (odd hair, a particular accessory, etc.) this will typically be prominent in the super deformed version of the character.<ref>How to Draw Manga Volume 18: Super-Deformed Characters 1: Humans. Template:ISBN</ref>
The chibi style easily falls under the Japanese category of kawaii, with the specific proportions being exaggerated in the ways that they are. With it being widely regarded as cute, the chibi style allows for easy advertisement in the culture, and even in other countries.<ref>Template:Cite book</ref>
One example of the word's usage in Japanese media, which brought the term to the attention of American fans in the mid-1990s, is Chibiusa; this diminutive pet name for the daughter of Sailor Moon comes from Chibi Usagi ("Little Rabbit").<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> The chibi art style is part of the Japanese kawaii subculture.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref> Outside of Japan, the chibi style has also appeared in anime-influenced American series such as Teen Titans, Avatar: The Last Airbender, and Homestuck.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
See also
- Moe (slang), expression of fascination or infatuation