Tsundere
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Tsundere (ツンデレ?) is a Japanese term for a personality that is initially combative (cranky), and then loving (spoony). Tsundere is a combination of the two words tsuntsun (ツンツン?), and deredere (デレデレ?). Tsuntsun is defined as "aloof, morose, pointed", and deredere is defined as "exhausted, lovestruck".[1] Tsundere is the antonym of yandere where a person is initially spoony and then later turns violent. Tsunderekko is a related noun, referring to a girl with a tsundere personality, as meganekko is for a girl with glasses.
The archetypical tsundere character starts in the tsuntsun phase as an unpleasant or violent acquaintance. As the story progresses, the character, sometimes suddenly, enters the deredere phase, becoming more meek and loving. While tsunderekko are not exclusive to Japanese entertainment[2], the term tsundere came about as a result of the need to describe the many tsunderekko found in games and harem anime. Like nekomimi, tsundere is considered a moe-inspiring character trait.[2][3]
The term is most often used in English by the anime blogging community, and is beginning to catch on elsewhere. The male equivalent would be a bishōnen that appears cold and aloof and then becomes caring and loyal. This character type appears to be even more popular among women than the female tsunderekko is among men.
[edit] Examples
The "first" tsundere was Lum from Urusei Yatsura, but the best-known examples are Asuka Langley Soryu from Neon Genesis Evangelion and Naru Narusegawa from Love Hina. In Neon Genesis Evangelion, Asuka Langley Soryu's outward bursts towards Shinji Ikari's incompetence and the fact that she views herself as the best of all the Evangelion pilots is what makes her famous in terms of the tsuntsun quality. However, this outward personality is merely a front for a vulnerable and insecure person. Asuka has an outward affection for Ryoji Kaji, though her affections are never returned, and throughout the story is in the middle of a love-hate relationship with Shinji. Naru Narusegawa from Love Hina often acts violent towards Keitarō Urashima, despite having romantic feelings for him.
In recent times, the character Rin Tōsaka from the popular visual novel Fate/stay night has become a well-known tsundere. Rin initially comes off as a serious girl who, with her Servant Archer, intends to be the victor in the fifth Holy Grail War out of her own competitive desire. Eventually after becoming partners with Shirō Emiya, she begins to lose her tough outer exterior and develops feelings for him. Other more recent tsunderekko include Eri Sawachika from School Rumble, Louise from Zero no Tsukaima, and Shana from Shakugan no Shana.
