Strolling through the site My Anime List, it is common to find several acronyms after the names of the anime. Among them we can mention the famous OVAs, we also have the acronym TV. The latter is easy to deduce, however, there are some more unknown ones, among these we can mention ONA and OAD. Few people know what they mean, or have a rough idea of what it is.
Anyway, in this article we will give the explanation and some other information about these acronyms that accompany the life of otakus. Or at least those who are most interested in these details. If you haven't seen these acronyms yet, I advise you to visit the My Anime List website.
But before starting, everyone needs to know that these acronyms are not popular and don't change anything, knowing or not knowing, their meanings. We are giving this information only as a means of information and curiosities about this great anime industry. The Table of Contents below will help you navigate:
Índice de Conteúdo
When an anime has the acronym TV
This one, despite being obvious, will still have its meaning explained here. After all, currently there is no one who does not know what the acronym TV means, that's right, TELEVISION. It is common to find this acronym in anime that are shown on TV. This already explains to us why this acronym is found.
When an anime is made to be shown on TV, it gets that acronym. An interesting example is the Black Clover anime, which is being released, it is made for TV. If you watch anime on subscription streamer sites or fansubs, you won't notice any difference between these and other anime. This happens because they earn this acronym, there in Japan. Broadcasters buy the rights to these anime in order to air them.
This scheme is similar to the movies here in Brazil. Here, broadcasters buy the rights to a film to be able to show them in their programming. This guarantees the right to screen such a film and as compensation they gain the audience, which may or may not be subscription (subscription channels).
When a video has the acronym PV
English acronym for “Promotional video” or translation into Portuguese “Promotional Videos”. It refers to some short videos with some anime elements (characters, scenarios or some other element of the genre) often accompanied by a background narration, with the aim of promoting.
The videos that fall under this acronym are released in the media in general, to promote an anime, movie, OVA, ONA or others of the genre. These videos are usually released to promote the premiere of anime and anime films, but they may be released during or at the end of the series to encourage the purchase of related products.
We may not refer to it by its correct name, as PVs are often confused with Trailers. In case you're wondering “does it make a difference?”, we'll explain what a trailer is. Trailer is a short video with parts of the movie, series, soap opera together with the aim of announcing the work, before the release. That is, it is a video ad, whereas PVs are videos to promote. The difference is in the freedom that the two have. Ultimately, whether you agree or disagree is up to you.
Meaning of the abbreviation OVA - Original Video Animation
Following the logic of better known to lesser known, we have the acronym OVA. This acronym refers to the English term “Original Video Animation” which means in English “Original Anime Video” [OAV] which is also used as an acronym in some countries. This acronym refers to anime or anime episodes exclusive to video media such as Blu-ray and DVD.
They are released suddenly, without any kind of warning, as is usually done for anime and anime movies (the famous trailers or Previews). There are exceptions, but they are rare cases, most only know when it's already released. Despite being released without a preview, OVAs have much more time for their development, which often exceeds the quality of the main product.
Despite these characteristics, OVAs are just stories that complement a story or follow a different route from the original work, which are the main anime. That is, this acronym usually accompanies anime episodes that often do not matter to the anime.
Anime with this acronym does not contain any type of cut or censorship, this is an implicit rule that is of great importance to the industry. Anime and anime episodes made into OVAs have a single volume of DVD or other media of the genre, for each episode produced. This is one of the ways anime generate income.
anime of genre Hentai (with pornographic content), are usually released in OVA format.
The article is still halfway through, but we recommend also reading:
Meaning of the abbreviation ONA - Original Net Animation
Lesser known than the other two, the acronym ONA is also an English acronym that refers to the expression “Original Net Animation”, which means in free translation into Portuguese “Anime Original Net” or “Anime Original da Net”. This acronym refers to productions that were originally made for the Internet or Net, as you prefer.
The mode of production to which this acronym refers is relatively new. This is when distribution over the Net is compared to distribution through video media. With the advent of the internet, information and content spread quickly. To keep up with this evolution, the anime market had to create a production and distribution method especially for the internet.
This market grows more and more every day. However the main source of income is by far the products in video media. This may change over time, but the industry takes as its main motto the thought “in a winning team, don't move”, and tends to invest little in this field.
Understanding the acronym OAD - Original Animation DVD
To explain this acronym, I have to inform you that this is totally useless for otakus who only watch anime. But if you're an otaku who likes to buy manga, anime on Blu-ray and DVD, you'll identify with her. The term comes from the English expression “Original Animation DVD”, in free translation means in English “Original Animation DVD” or “Anime Original DVD”
For general explanation, this acronym refers to an OVA on DVD, with a few more details than the OVAs already mentioned. The difference between the latter and OADs is that when you buy this product you will also receive the original product of the work, that is, a manga. Basically it's not relevant at all, and if we think about it we'll see that it doesn't affect at all those otakus who only watch anime.
As Blu-rays are more popular nowadays, will they adapt the name to Original Animation Disc or will they invent the OAB? (笑).
The acronym OST - Original Sound Track
Acronym for the expression " Original Sound Track " or in English " original music track ", refers to the songs that are included in the anime, whether as opening, closing, background themes etc. Basically all the songs that are in the anime.
This is another well-known method for the industry to generate income. Because the OST is often sold as a separate part of the anime as well. I believe that not only in anime, but also in almost all types of media of this genre, such as movies, soap operas, series etc.
Extra acronym – MC
MC stands for "Main Character" or in English "Main Character". It is what we know as the protagonist, that character who plays the main role in the anime. And he's always surrounded by looks and clichés around him. The cliché of “the protagonist never dies” is a cliché that few anime have broken. There is always a miracle that saves the MC when he needs it most.
I personally have only watched one anime that broke this cliché, Akane Ga Kill, and its popularity built on praise as well as criticism. To this day this anime is a discussion, and they always mention it when it comes to breaking clichés.
Extra acronym – OP
It can refer to two terms. The first is “Overpower” this term refers to an anime character that is extremely powerful in many ways, that is, he can be extremely intelligent, strong, skilled etc.
In short, some skill capable of dominating others in terms of power. It is not a rule for the protagonist to be OP, this term can be used for any character in the year that fits the standards. I think it's unnecessary to quote END of closings (ending) which is the same thing only at the end.
The other term is "Opening", refers to the opening of anime. Usually the opening contains certain series of images that may or may not contain the main characters, spoilers and plot tips etc. Always accompanying a theme song that may or may not be sung.
What do I think about acronyms?
Well, I believe that the misinformation of these acronyms will not affect big things in otaku life. But just as the spirit of a curious person is always to snoop around, that of an otaku is always to learn more about this anime universe. And speaking personally, the information and knowledge is always good to have accumulated.
There are certainly more acronyms, if you know some or want to ask questions about any, just comment. Just to clarify, this article is for acronyms only. For information on things like clichés and terms used in anime, we have other articles right here on the site.
That's all we have for this article. Thank you, my dear reader, for reading this far and suggestions, doubts, criticisms or additional information, just comment. We will be watching and responding to everyone.
