Ecchi
From Free net encyclopedia
Ecchi (from the Japanese エッチ) is an English word deriving from a Japanese word meaning "lewd" or "naughty" when used as an adjective, and can refer to a pervert or sexual intercourse when used as a noun. The Japanese word origin is the English letter "H".
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Etymology
The most common theory states that etchi derives from the first character of the word hentai (変態), and indeed the two words have similar meanings (although the word hentai cannot be used to refer to sexual intercourse, nor can it be used as a verb). Another theory suggests that the "H" is from the first letter of the word harenchi (破廉恥), a word meaning "shameless" or "lewd". The word originated as a euphemism used by Meiji era female high school and college students in the late 19th century. It became popularized in 1952 with its usage in a serialized novel by Funabashi Seiichi. In the 1990s, it gained its usage as a noun to refer to the sexual act itself. The comedian Sanma Akashiya is often credited with this development and further widespread usage.
Usage
Ecchi as an adjective can be translated as lewd or sexy, while as a noun it can be translated as sexual intercourse, e.g. to do etchi (etchi suru) would mean to have sex. The word sekkusu is also used in Japan for sex, and Japanese native words for sex (such as 性交 seikō) are often replaced by words of foreign origin such as sekkusu or neologisms such as etchi. The nuance of ecchi varies with context, but in general the word itself is comparable in nuance to the English words "naughty" or "dirty" (when used as an adjective). The prefix "H-" is sometimes used to refer to pornographic genres: H-anime, H-manga, etc.
English usage
In English, the word is often used in the context of manga and anime. The term Ecchi is applied to anime or manga that has vague sexual content (such as skimpy clothing, partial or full nudity), but does not show sexual intercourse. However, ecchi has historically often been used as a synonym of hentai, presumably due to confusion of the two; thus it can carry different connotations than allowed for by the original Japanese. In recent years, however, its use by English-speakers has largely realigned with the Japanese meaning – although H (pronounced as the standard aitch) has become a completely separate term, inclusive of all of the above.
The ecchi art style is loosely comparable to pin-up girl artwork, as well provocative fantasy and comic book art in the United States and other countries. Typical features include:
- Clothing that outlines the shape of the breasts, nipples, and labia, suggesting tightness of clothing and arousal.
- Uniforms, costumes, or outfits that may be provocative, but are worn as everyday clothing by the character.
- Characters who are unaware of their sexuality, appear innocent or cheerful, or sly and mischievous.
- Clothing that is falling off or being pulled off, notably swimsuits.
- Upskirt panty shots and cleavage.
- Suggestive or phallic imagery, such as Japanese mayonnaise bottles.
- Exaggerated sexual attributes, often on normal or petite figures to give a sense of contrast. Especially used in doujinshi and fanart, where a character may appear more sexualized than normal.
- Cute or innocent character with obvious sexual appearance or clothing.
- The occasional bare breast(s), but no nudity below the navel.