- “Yandere” typically is used in groups of otakus, or people that are very big fans of anime and manga, and is not very commonly used in English outside of these groups. Other similar words in Japanese such as “tsundere” and “kuudere” are compounds that were likely created based upon “tsundere”. “Tsundere” and “kuudere” are also Japanese loanwords in English. “Kuudere” is used less than “tsundere” or “yandere”. “Tsundere” is a compound; “tsun” means hard, and “dere” means soft.
Yandere
noun; other word formation type
A type of person that has extremely violent tendencies except possibly to the one for which they have romantic feelings. Will go to extreme measures to “protect” their romantic interest. This character is typically very unstable, extremely dangerous, disturbed, and brutal. Obsessive over romantic interest to the point of violence directed at others. May engage in stalking behavior. A character archetype found in manga and anime.
Etymology : “Yandere” is a Japanese loanword. Because “yandere” is a popular character archetype in these media, it is likely originating from the exportation and heightened global popularity of anime and manga. “Yandere” is a compound; “dere” means soft, referring to their treatment of their loved one, despite the extreme and excessive violence of the character.
Source : “Who’s face shows up when you do a Google search for yandere?” Video Published: 9/19/2017 Link to Source: https://youtu.be/EdzrxT0dnSg Context: In fanmade video, the characters rap about who is the best yandere
Last modified: 22 December 2019