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
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Related Words
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• Waifu Bait
• WaifuSexual
• wraithalaith
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• Wraithz
Elite Wraith, Comming from the online gaming communitty down under, most acuratley defined as Kiddie Fiddler.
by Elite Wraith November 26, 2004
Get the Elite Wraith mug."Waifu" is used to refer to a fictional girl or woman (usually in Anime, Manga, or video-games) that you have sexual attraction to, and you would even marry. But now, there are platforms like WaifuEngine . com that allow you to customize and interact with your very own waifu!
by MLE-Chan May 29, 2021
Get the Waifu mug.Noun - A poor, skinny, homeless child typically in Dickensian London. Normally has unnecessary filth about his face and/or clothing. The butt of many cruel jokes involving his financial status.
Verb - the act of "waifing"
Adjective - A cruel insult, normally used for people smaller or less fortunate than yourself.
Adverb - "in the manor of a waif"
Verb - the act of "waifing"
Adjective - A cruel insult, normally used for people smaller or less fortunate than yourself.
Adverb - "in the manor of a waif"
Noun - Look at that stupid waif. Lets kick him and rub dirt in his waif-face.
Verb - Look man. Gimme my burlap sack back before I waif you up.
Adjective - Look at that waif person. How very waif he is.
Adverb - He walked waifly down the street.
Verb - Look man. Gimme my burlap sack back before I waif you up.
Adjective - Look at that waif person. How very waif he is.
Adverb - He walked waifly down the street.
by WretchingGoatman May 13, 2005
Get the WAIF mug.A phenomenon affecting female champions in the League of Legends in which they are regarded as "perfectly balanced" by their adoring neckbeard fanboys despite frequent and highly successful competitive usage, bans both targeted and general, and high win ratios.
by RoperSkills November 27, 2013
Get the waifu syndrome mug.See i'm talking about a "Wraith main" not a Wraith main most wraith mains can carry a team fight or clutch a 1v3 situation then a "Wraith main" is someone that thinks that they are hot shit, but are the complete opposite(what a surprise right?) and they keep trying to use high skill gap weapons(like the wingman and maybe the peacekeeper) and when think are not going there way and die or go down they leave(of cores they shit talk).
Friend 1:"hey man we need a lifeline"
Friend 2: oh no he is a "wraith main" for sure.
*his stats appear*
Friend 1 & 2: GG
Friend 2: oh no he is a "wraith main" for sure.
*his stats appear*
Friend 1 & 2: GG
by Olim Dor March 7, 2019
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