The Waifu Effect describes a phenomenon in which a fictional work or character gains popularity solely by containing what many people consider to be "waifu-material"(see "Waifu" entry for more info). The work in question often becomes famous for such, and the Waifu Effect can often (but not always) overshadow other elements, whether intentionally or unintentionally. Many shows/media intentionally exploit this phenomenon in order to market their products, which can also be used to hide negative qualities.
The Waifu effect is particularly noticeable within the fanart community, as it can shoot characters/works into the spotlight through the Waifu effect alone. In order for a work to benefit from the Waifu effect, the characters must be diverse and varied. They must have enough of a background to give artists a jumping-off point, but be open enough so that artists have enough wiggle room to insert their own creativity into it. Some big examples that exhibit the Waifu Effect phenomenon are Kantai Collection and Touhou Project.
The Waifu effect is particularly noticeable within the fanart community, as it can shoot characters/works into the spotlight through the Waifu effect alone. In order for a work to benefit from the Waifu effect, the characters must be diverse and varied. They must have enough of a background to give artists a jumping-off point, but be open enough so that artists have enough wiggle room to insert their own creativity into it. Some big examples that exhibit the Waifu Effect phenomenon are Kantai Collection and Touhou Project.
Overwatch fan: Man, have you been seeing all the amazing Overwatch fanart from Japan artists lately?
JRPG enthusiast: That's unexpected, I thought that Japan didn't really like FPS games. Why would a western FPS like Overwatch ever be popular there?
Overwatch fan: Nah, it's the Waifu Effect, I'm tellin' ya. Put enough attractive and diverse female characters into your work and artists/social media are bound to jump on that shit.
JRPG enthusiast: That's unexpected, I thought that Japan didn't really like FPS games. Why would a western FPS like Overwatch ever be popular there?
Overwatch fan: Nah, it's the Waifu Effect, I'm tellin' ya. Put enough attractive and diverse female characters into your work and artists/social media are bound to jump on that shit.
by schoolbomb February 1, 2018
Get the Waifu Effectmug. A horror movie effect wherein something is intended to scare the audience by popping up unexpectedly, catching them unaware, similar to toast popping out of a toaster.
by Megamean09 October 6, 2012
Get the Toaster Effectmug. When someone don't care about the land.
he or she shows no respect for the land.
someone who litters on a average.
someone who don't care what happens to the land.
he or she shows no respect for the land.
someone who litters on a average.
someone who don't care what happens to the land.
by ONE MAN WOLF PACK 777 March 25, 2021
Get the landdella effectmug. The principle that any word (new or existing), phrase or name can be used as an inflammatory or derogatory statement.
by Grungebobsquaredance June 3, 2022
Get the Karen Effectmug. The feeling you get when you don't know what is wrong about someone but something feels uneasy or uncomfortable; typically associated with people and things that give off a weird vibe.
by mrsclean September 2, 2019
Get the The Jeffrey Effectmug. The migration of a trend from a small, affluent segment to a larger, mass market audience.
In 1985, the girl's name "Madison" was ranked as the 628th most popular in the U.S. and was chosen primarily by wealthy, well-educated parents. Middle and working class parents picked up on the trend and by 2010 the Social Security Administration ranked "Madison" as the eight most popular name in America and has been among the most popular names for over a decade.
Also known as: Madison concept, Madison idea and Madison theory.
In 1985, the girl's name "Madison" was ranked as the 628th most popular in the U.S. and was chosen primarily by wealthy, well-educated parents. Middle and working class parents picked up on the trend and by 2010 the Social Security Administration ranked "Madison" as the eight most popular name in America and has been among the most popular names for over a decade.
Also known as: Madison concept, Madison idea and Madison theory.
The marketing team is using the Madison effect to launch the new product: they are giving it away to consumers in East Hampton and people will be clamoring for it in Iowa by Christmas.
by Jaxon A. June 10, 2011
Get the Madison effectmug. by Saint_Psyduck February 25, 2021
Get the The Livelesson Effectmug.