\ˈhir-(ˌ)ō ˈsin-ˌdrōm\ (noun)
1. An infrequent, but nonetheless lethal, psychological occurrence in a
male character from any of a variety of TV media, particularly those found in Japanese anime, in which the character in question experiences a drastic and negative change in personality due to the on-comings of a female character, or in order to gain a female character's interest or attention. This sudden change in behavior can lead to a falling-out with any number of friends, peers, or companions; resignation from or disinterest in a formerly favored career
track; moodiness or downright cruelty; and, in general, the taking of sudden and drastic actions that
may work as a plot device but are otherwise completely out of
line. While these alterations in a character's attitude are usually temporary, they can, on instance, ruin a character forever. If the character in question is a "fan favorite," then his sudden change for the worse is all the more upsetting to any dedicated
fan. The term originates with the character Nakano "
Hiro" Hiroshi of the anime Gravitation, and how in his romantic pursuit of the character Usami Ayaka, he turns into what many fans consider a complete and utter
douche, and takes his unrequited
feelings out on his bandmates and friends.
2. When a male anime character previously assumed as homosexual abandons all prospects of a
relationship with a male because of the influence of a nearby female, enormously disappointing the avid BL
fan.
"Wow. First
Spike was a total asshole towards
Jet, then he abandoned his nakama without even thinking."
"It's because
Spike wants to find Julia so badly. He must have serious Hiro Syndrome."
