They are people whore are obsessed in one thing, and not neccesary to anime otakus.
Otaku's are people who are obsessed on anything, including anime, cars, etc

For some unknown reason, it's not used against sports fanatics
Aitu wa mokei otaku nandatte- (I heard that he's a model otaku)
by Kohei November 25, 2003
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An otaku is a type of nerd or geek who loves anime. They also like anime related games or just video games in general.
I am an otaku and so are my friends.
by catato August 5, 2015
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Japanese for "zealot" or "fanatic". Most common with those who are fanatics of popular (dubbed) anime shows. It is also used to describe said fanatics who go to the point of imitating EVERYTHING that relates to Japanese culture.
When going to college, beware of the otaku nerds who will rant about which episode of Pokemon or Dragonball-Z was better.
by AYB February 11, 2003
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Calling yourself an otaku IS bad, as half of the definitions already state. It is the equivalent of a nerd or a shut-in, one of those people with skin the color of pasty white potato innards that obviously never leave their rooms. They speak badly-pronounced Japanese with broken phrases and improper words... like... say... OTAKU. American 'otaku' take pride in being nerdy pale-skinned freaks, and often scan over the latest hentai, yaoi, and yuri just to get off... most don't even know the ENGLISH LANGUAGE that well.

Most otaku sport a collection of Pokemon DVDs, trading cards, and pocky.
"Dood wuz ^ Im an otaku."
by Oh the insanity... November 6, 2003
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A term taken from Japanese and used in the United States amongst anime afficionados to show their obsessive love for their hobby, further changed by innocent mispronunciation to mean people who, subjectively, have no taste.
Oh, ew, here comes Harold--he's going to talk to us about DragonBall Z, and we'll never escape. What an otaku.
by spiraling February 14, 2005
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There's two different meanings to this word. The English one and the Japanese one. Who knows how otaku got translated to huge anime/manga fan. I do have a shirt that says Otaku...
Anyways.

English: Huge anime/manga fan. (Me)
Japanese: Insult. Someone who perfers staying inside all day. (Still me)
English: I am an otaku.

Japanese: ...I'm somewhat of an otaku. Yes, I need a life. Though I will do something with my life once I'm old enough to get my own house.
by ~Jay~ January 5, 2006
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Otaku is what some hardcore anime fans call themselves.

Anyone who calls themself an "Otaku" is a complete prick and should be shot in the face over and over again.
I'm an otaku, an absolute twat with no social life , oh, and I'm better than you because I have a bigger anime collection.
by Pix^ June 20, 2004
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