“Neko kawaii”, also known as “neko neko kawaii”. This is a very common Japanese term among anime fans and in the culture of anime.
In general, it means “cute cat” or “lovely kitty”. It is popular among Japanese teenagers Japanese and high school students who want to rate something sweet or plushy, but not as perceived by others. You can use the team, “neko kawaii” if you want to express how cute is what you see.
On the other hand, according to the Urban Dictionary, you can use the “neko kawaii ” term for those people who often dress and behave like cats in anime culture and kawaii fashion. In this case, if you are in a conversation with other anime fans you can detect each other and find fans in a genre like you, then immerse in the otaku subculture together.
Of course, like everything, nowadays, the “neko kawaii” term has become one of the most popular terms in the digital environment. To the extent that, you can make difference in its use and how to use “no” whether it is a male or female person.
The Term Comes from Two Japanese Words:
“Neko”
Neko means “cat.” In this case, it refers not only to the characterization of the animal but also to the appearance of this conjugate to another human, which is manifested through the ears or tail. This is already considered adorable.
“Kawaii”
It’s an adjective that means “lovely” or “cute”.
Although the “neko kawaii” word can be translated as a “cute cat” or “lovely cat,” it is important to mention that it is also a kind of branch of the kawaii style as well, because it works beyond a word. Kawaii is a very significant cultural component of everyday life in Japan.
Related words:
Regarding the topic, it is worth highlighting a series of words that are related in this context.
“nya”
It is a kind of suffix in Japanese language. This is for expressing the mimics and the cute voice of a cat.
“kya”
It is to express your surprise and joy. You can use it when you have lovely emotions for something cute and adorable.
“itte”
This is not a word used to express pleasant things in Kawaii. On the contrary. It appears to indicate discomfort or pain.
But who are the Neko girls and Neko boys?
“Neko-girl”
“Neko-girls” or “catgirls”, are girls who wear cat costumes or who act as a lovely cat. Neko- girls usually wear their detailed cat costumes during social media platforms, anime conferences, or any kind of kawaii meetings among other people.
“Neko-boy”
Also called “cat boy”, this is a masculine version of the characterization and does not differ too much from those presented in the previous section. Within the anime universe, boys who are interested in neko cosplay, have special accessories to properly dress like a real Japanese neko-boy.
Hello Kitty and the “Neko kawaii”
Hello Kitty is one of the most important characters in the Japanese kawaii culture, due to its influence in the country and in the world, perhaps it presents everything related to “Neko” and “kawaii” most accurately.
Since its huge popularity in the mid-70s, the brand and the phenomenon of Hello Kitty is trending again. “Hello Kitty is the New Black! “
Plus, it’s becoming more prevalent among celebrities. Many celebrities are inspired by Kawaii culture and wear cat-like attire at important events as well both in Japan or in the US.
As I have mentioned earlier, the “kawaii” word is an adjective by which we name everything that is sweet and adorable. The effect of this word can be found in several components of Japanese society: from food to cultural behavior.
The funny thing is that this word only refers to cute animals and lovely babies. It later became popular in the 1960s, thanks to stuffed animals for babies.
How to Be “Neko kawaii”?
This is what some internet users say, a few steps you need to follow for transforming yourself into complete Neko kawaii.
- First of all, you need to educate yourself in kawaii culture especially in kawaii neko.
- You need proper neko kawaii accessories like kitty tail, ears, and fluffy paws of course. (If you are a girl, it is a good tip to make your neko costume a little finer and more feminine.
- Don’t be afraid to wear headbands, they even have headbands with a small bell because in some concepts they say you have to be noticed wherever you are.
- In these cases, kitten gloves with claws are also recommended. Wearing long nails like cat’s claws are cool even for the boys.
- For boys, we exactly recommend that you have long hair and act as if you were a little bit confused or shy.
- Close your hands in the shape of a small fist, so much so that it looks like a cat’s paw.
- Make skill and agility exercises to mimic the movement of cats.
- And purr constantly.
It is worth mentioning some interesting aspects of the topic:
According to neko kawaii, this trend is not related to any sexual fetish, as it is more of an expression of your personality.
But you have to know that, the word neko means “cat”, it is an idiom to denote passive opposition in a homosexual relationship. This is because they say the word is rooted in Neru, which means to lie down or stand on something.
It is estimated that people dealing with these types of currents are indeed newcomers to the manga and anime world.
The Neko Girls, are one of the most popular representations, so they can be seen in any outfit, although the most popular range from maid to high school teenagers.
The main personality traits that a person desires are neko: helpful, sweet, skillful, and tender.
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In fingers and anime, Neko-girl is present next to onomatopoeia “nya”. Characterization of the type neko is also popular among men and boys, although dogs and wolves also appear in yaoi-type stories.
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Sources:
[1] Neko Kawaii Jelentés és hogyan lehet Neko Kawaii