A Japanese word that is often used as a put-down in its original context, being roughly equivalent in meaning to "shrimp," "runt," "squirt," "dwarf," "midget," or "small-fry."
In slang, however, it occasionally takes on aspects of cuteness, particularly when the individual in question is young, female, and already considered "cute" by the speaker. It can also be used as shorthand for a drawing style of Japanese origin more properly known as super deformed (SD).
Its usage in English (or rather, Japanglish) ignores the word's derogatory context, and focuses on the "cute" meaning as it often appears in anime and manga, and its exclusive usage in this context is a good sign that the speaker does not, in fact, know how to speak Japanese.
In slang, however, it occasionally takes on aspects of cuteness, particularly when the individual in question is young, female, and already considered "cute" by the speaker. It can also be used as shorthand for a drawing style of Japanese origin more properly known as super deformed (SD).
Its usage in English (or rather, Japanglish) ignores the word's derogatory context, and focuses on the "cute" meaning as it often appears in anime and manga, and its exclusive usage in this context is a good sign that the speaker does not, in fact, know how to speak Japanese.
(Speaker A): "Why would TokyoPop go and change the title of 'Karin' to 'Chibi Vampire'? There's nothing 'chibi' about her."
(Speaker B): "It's marketing, man. All the fangirls think 'chibi' is synonymous with 'cute'."
(Speaker B): "It's marketing, man. All the fangirls think 'chibi' is synonymous with 'cute'."
by Julian G. July 14, 2006
A smaller and cutesier version of a famous anime/video game/comic book character, often looking just like the character themselves, but with large puppy dog eyes, inviting smiles, and on some occasions, arms and legs that end in finger and toeless nubs. Pretty much the Mini Me of the fan art community
by Metallicajunkie October 21, 2018
The lead singer of Canadian electronica band "The Birthday Massacre". Born on April 26, 1977, she currently resides in Toronto, Canada and works a regular job whilst off tour. She maintains both a MySpace profile and a LiveJournal page and lives with her cat, Kisou.
by xMurderTrampx May 12, 2007
by Drake Aldan March 09, 2003
(Adj.) A term that means Small, Mini, or Tiny in Japanese Anime. Often used to describe babies or small children.
by G-Union August 14, 2003
(noun) 1.the japanese word for a small child 2.the japanese word to rudely call someone small 3.a term that is used WAY too often by many otaku girls/boys...usually girls...
1.(in japanese)that chibi is so cute!
2.Oy, chibi!we've got a bone to pick with you!
3.That chibi is mecha kawaii!^.^
2.Oy, chibi!we've got a bone to pick with you!
3.That chibi is mecha kawaii!^.^
by Mitan April 23, 2008
A Japanese slang word know around the world. It's a combination of Bi & Chisai; meaning Small/Beautiful. If a Chibi is not pretty, it's refurred toas SD or Super Deformed. There are 2 kinds of chibis; stubby chibis with no limbs (think Powerpuff girls) & regular chibis, which resemble noseless children.
by Allaiyah January 15, 2004