Hello, you might be wondering what the hell a Waifu is? In this article, we will understand the meaning of the words “Waifu” and “Husbando,” their origin, and various curiosities. I warn you that this is a dangerous and incurable zone.
“Waifu” is a very popular term used among otaku that literally means wife, while “Husbando” means husband. These words are used to designate a 2D character from anime, manga, or games that a person wishes to marry.
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Table of Contents
What does Waifu mean?
“Waifu” (ワイフ) is a Japanese word originating from the English “wife,” which means wife, but with an extra anime and manga flavor. This word is used to describe a fictional female character from an anime, manga, or any other form of media, who has gained a special place in the heart of a fan.
Waifus are a unique blend of fascination with female characters from anime and manga with the typical romance of Japan. Japanese culture has always had a passion for exciting and romantic stories, so it is no surprise that Waifus have found a perfect home in the hearts of anime and manga fans.
These beloved Waifus sometimes occupy such a large space in the hearts of fans that they even swear eternal loyalty and devotion to them! Even though they are fictional beings, these Waifus have the power to make their admirers sigh with emotion and let out squeals of joy at every appearance!
Below we have a video talking a little about the term Waifu:
What does Husbando mean?
“Husbando” is a playful and creative adaptation of the English word “husband,” which means husband. As you may have guessed, it is the male equivalent of Waifu.
These captivating and charming characters, with their engaging personalities and exciting stories, manage to make fans sigh in admiration, laugh at their antics, and even cry over their misadventures.
They are usually male characters who stand out for their appearance, muscles, or personality. It can be any type of man, from different anime genres, just like Waifu.
I remember a term that also became popular on 4chan, mai bossu, which literally means “my boss.” Another very popular term used by women in Japan is senpai. A very common term that also became popular among Western otakus.
- Understand the meaning of the term Crush
- Understand the meaning of the term Senpai
- 2channel and 4chan – The influence of forums and imageboards
Why like Anime Characters?
Anime and manga creators develop characters with captivating personalities, distinct traits, and exciting life stories. They are designed to make the audience engage and identify with them.
Moreover, Waifus are usually idealized, presenting personality traits and appearances that make them exceptionally attractive to their fans. Waifus also symbolize the search for pure and unconditional love, which sometimes lacks in real life.
It is important to remember that most people who have Waifus understand that they are fictional characters and do not confuse the real world with the world of anime and manga. However, Waifus represent a unique cultural and social phenomenon that illustrates the influence of Japanese pop culture on the world and people’s lives.
Where did the term Waifu and Husbando originate?
The first mention of the term “Waifu” occurred in episode 15 of the anime called Azumanga Daioh. In this episode, there is a dialogue between a teacher, Mr. Kimura, and his students.
This teacher has a reputation for being a pedophile, and in the scene in question, he suggests a “flashy” outfit for the girls to wear in the school’s sports competition.
While the students are startled by his sudden appearance and the clothing suggestion made by him, a photo falls out of his pocket. Generating the following dialogue:
- Takino Tomo: – What is this? A photo of a woman?
- Kasuga Ayumu: – Wow! She is beautiful;
- Takino Tomo: – Who is she?
- Mr. Kimura:– My wife;
- Everyone: – It can’t be!
I wonder how this simple scene popularized this term mai waifu in such a way. The anime is from 2002, but the term only became popular years later due to forums. The original English word “my wife” means my wife.
If it is still not very clear to you what a waifu is, we can summarize it as that anime character you like, find lovable, and if she were a real girl, you would marry her. They are anime characters that are easy to fall in love with. Characters that you feel pleasure in defending and loving with all your heart, soul, and mind.
Husbando is nothing more than the male version of the English word for wife; there is no original origin or mystery behind this word. Husbando is written huzubando [ハズバンド].
It is worth highlighting the word goshujin [ご主人] that maids often use, which can also mean husband in Japanese. Read also: Maid Cafe – The maid café in Japan
When does affection become unhealthy?
I see no problem in liking anime characters; unfortunately, some take this too far. In Japan and in specialized stores for Otaku products in the West, we find for sale the famous “dakimakura,” or pillows with the figure of anime characters, in different sizes. Some of these pillows are rated +18.
I even understand the guys who buy these pillows and sleep cuddled up with their favorite anime characters. However, there are some otakus who cross the line and take their dakimakura waifus to public restaurants and even buy food for them. For a pillow? How so?
I cannot say that these people have psychological problems, but some even stop relating to real people, taking their waifus and dakimakura pillows to the street, thus generating criticism in the media.
I believe these things happen more with people who suffer from social problems and escape the real world, becoming hikikomori.
- Dakimakura – Get to know the love pillow
- Erotic and bizarre products from Japan
- Do you know what a Hikikomori or NEET is?
The Most Beloved Waifus
That’s it, folks, enough of difficult terms and meanings. Here is a list of the most beloved waifus from the International Saimoe League website:
- Miss Waifu 2012: Tachibana Kanade
- Anime: Angel Beats
- Miss Waifu 2013: Goko Ruri [Kuroneko] (I personally love Kuroneko)
- Anime: Ore no Imouto Ga Konna Ni Kawaii Wake Ga Nai
- Miss Waifu 2014: Itsuka Kotori
- Anime: Date A Live
- Miss Waifu 2015: Chitanda Eru
- Anime: Hiouka
- Miss Waifu 2016: Shana from
- Anime: Shakugan no Shana
List of popular waifus
- Mio Akiyama from the anime K-On!
- Nao Tomori – Charlotte;
- Konata Izumi – Lucky☆Star;
- Hinata Hyuuga – Naruto: Shippuuden;
- Ranka Lee – Macross Frontier;
- Asuna – Sword Art Online;
- Kaname Chidori – Fullmetal Panic!
- Asuka Langley Souryuu – Neon Genesis Evangelion;
- Yuki Nagato – Suzumiya Haruhi no Yuuutsu;
- Kallen Stadtfeld/Kouzuki – Code Geass;
- Yoko Littner – Gurren Lagann;
- Winry Rockbell – Fullmetal Alchemist;
- Makise Kurisu – Steins;Gate;
- Saber – Fate/Zero;
Leonardo’s favorite waifus are: Rias Gremory (HighSchool DxD), Sora (Yosuga no Sora), and others. (Article written by Lucas de Paula);
Kevin’s favorite waifus are: Kuroneko (Oreimo), Kuroyukigime (Accel World), Chizuru Hishiro (ReLife), Nia (Gurren Lagann), Makise Kurisu (Steins;Gate), and other famous ones.
My Waifu Tier List
I want to take this opportunity to share my Tier List of Waifus:
The Most Beloved Husbando
- Tamaki Suoh – Ouran High School Host Club
- Zenitsu Agatsuma – Demon Slayer
- Benedict Blues – Violet Evergarden
- Kageyama Tobio – Haikyuu
- Sugawara Koushi – Haikyuu
- Tomioka Giyuu – Demon Slayer
- Bakugou Katsuki – My Hero Academia
- Levi Ackerman – Attack on Titan
- Todoroki Shoto – My Hero Academia
This list was based on the opinion of the majority, following surveys conducted by different sites like MAL, Anime-Planet, and Aminoapps. Do you agree with the names listed here? If you have any Husbando to add, feel free.
And now, after this article, you will be able to say for sure what a waifu and husbando is. But anyway, do you have a favorite waifu (or husbando)? Share with us, just leave your comment.
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