Japanese culture

What does Oshi mean?

The idol you push: a declared favourite, votes, streaming, money and pride.

  • Circulation: high
  • Source language: ja
  • Translatable: yes

Definition

Oshi (推し) comes from oshidasu, to push. In Japanese idol fandom it is the name of the chosen one. Oshi katsu is the activity of support. Unlike waifu, the oshi is often a real person on a stage. Stan is the Western cousin of intensity. The word crossed K-pop and the West.

Origin

Japanese 推し, idol culture.

History

From AKB48 and underground idols to global fandom vocabulary.

How it emerged

The fan needed a noun for the favourite one pushes with labour.

Usage examples

  • Who is your oshi this generation?

  • Oshi katsu costs time and, sometimes, a card.

Translations

  • pt oshi
  • en oshi
  • es oshi

Synonyms

  • favourite
  • declared idol
  • bias

Related terms

Questions

What is an oshi?

The idol or character a fan chooses to support in the open.

Is it waifu?

Waifu is more 2D and marital-joke. Oshi comes from live idol culture.

Oshi katsu?

The set of support practices: voting, streaming, events.