A Japanese abbreviation for "YAmanashi, Ochinashi, Iminashi" which translates to "without climax, without resolution, without meaning," and by the Japanese definition refers to unofficial comic books (doujinshi) that support a non-official, homosexual (male/male) couple and are very explicit.

In English terms, however, the word is much more broad and can refer to anything with any homosexual(only male/male) or boy's love themes in anime and manga, sometimes even expanding to non-anime/manga works, but often in connection with fanfiction.

It is important to note that although the word 'homosexual' has been mentioned quite a bit in this definition, much of Japanese yaoi manga, as with most BL (boy's love) manga, cannot truly be considered homosexual content. This is because the men/boys in the comic, although often clearly represented in a relationship together (usually physical in nature), are in fact not homosexual, but show a deep romantic connection only to the one man they are portrayed as in love with. (Although this is not ALWAYS the case.)

Yaoi is a slang meaning 'boys love' or homosexuality that is used in the japanese language. Popular with fangirls who like their favorite anime guys to kiss.

Yaoi is a Japanese word, which is actually something of an acronym. It comes from "YAma nashi, Ochi nashi, Imi nashi", which means "no climax, no point, no meaning".

In speech and writing, it's a slang term used to refer to stories that focus on homosexual relationships, usually between men. Yaoi tends to involve graphic sex, often with little or no plot. The female equivalent is yuri.

A related genre is shonen-ai, or "boys' love", which tends to involve less sex and more cuddling (and plot).

Gay poooooooooooooorn. ;D

EVERYONE KNOWS it stands for Young Academics On Ice!! Gawd.

(at least, that's what you tell your parents... muahahaha...)

Anime, manga, or fanfic that depicts explicit relationships between two males. Usually focuses on the passionate/ lustful/ physical side of the relationship, unlike shounen-ai which focuses on the romantic/ loving/ emotional side. Usually R rated or higher.

1. Y-A-ma nashi O-chi nashi I-mi nashi - translated: no climax, no point, no meaning.

2. Yamete! Atashi no Oshiri Itai! translated: Stop it! My butt hurts!

A type of anime that involves gay male pairings. AKA BUTTSECKS!! Boy love.
There's different levels of yaoi. Some are light (shonen-ai) and some are pretty bad. It can be anywhere in between, too.