Chibi, also known assuper deformation (SD), is an art style originating inJapan, and common inanime andmanga where characters are drawn in an exaggerated way, typically small and chubby with stubby limbs, oversized eyes, oversized heads, tiny noses, tiny bodies, and minimal detail. The style has found its way into theanime and manga fandom through its usage in manga works and merchandising.
The English termchibi derives from the Japanesechibi kyara (ちびキャラ,'tiny character'),[1] wherechibi (ちび) is a colloquial word for very short people and children, itself deriving fromchibiru (禿びる,v.'to wear down'),[2] andkyara (キャラ) is loaned from the English "character".[3]
"Super deformed" and "S.D." come from Japanesedeforume (デフォルメ,'stylistic distortion'), itself from Frenchdéformer.[4]
Compared to the average anime character, usually about seven to eight heads tall,[5] the head of a super-deformed character is normally anywhere between one third and one half the character's height.[6] In addition to their modified proportions, super-deformed characters typically lack the detail of their normal counterparts. As a result, when a character of average proportions is depicted as a super-deformed character, certain aspects of their design will be simplified and others will be more exaggerated. Details such as folds on a jacket are ignored, and general shapes are favored. If a character has a signature characteristic (odd hair, a particular accessory, etc.) this will typically be prominent in the super deformed version of the character.[7]
The chibi style easily falls under the Japanese category of kawaii, with the specific proportions being exaggerated in the ways that they are. With it being widely regarded as cute, the chibi style allows for easy advertisement in the culture, and even in other countries.[8]
One example of the word's usage in Japanese media, which brought the term to the attention of American fans in the mid-1990s, isChibiusa; thisdiminutivepet name for the daughter ofSailor Moon comes fromChibi Usagi ("Little Rabbit").[9] Thechibi art style is part of the Japanesekawaii subculture.[10][11][12] Outside of Japan, thechibi style has also appeared in anime-influenced American series such asTeen Titans,Avatar: The Last Airbender, andHomestuck.[13]
