What is gap moe?


I often hear the word gap moe, but I do not know what it means. So what does
the word **gap moe** mean?




Let's look at the meaning of the words separately.

[A quick google search](https://www.google.com/search?q=gap%20meaning) tells
us that a **gap** is _a space or interval; a break in continuity_. It can also
mean to be a _difference_. [Here is a
post](https://anime.stackexchange.com/questions/894/what-does-moe-mean) that
addresses what **moe** is. If I were to describe it myself, it is the feeling
you get when you see someone/something so cute you just want to hug them and
take them home.

Combining the two, gap moe is that irresistible feeling you get when there is
a difference in the way someone/something acts and/or looks. When that
character acts/looks _out of character._

[This article](http://www.japanator.com/survey-says-just-what-on-earth-is-gap-
moe--13198.phtml) gives a more technical definition:

> described as "a contradiction in exhibited characteristics that people find
> cutely attractive"

Further supported by [this article](http://whatjapanthinks.com/2010/01/17/gap-
moe-alluring-discordance/):(Found this link on [Henry
Zhang's](https://anime.stackexchange.com/users/13504/henry-zhang)
[post](https://anime.stackexchange.com/a/20994/2479). Thanks dude!)

> refer to a contradiction in exhibited characteristics that people find
> cutely attactive in the opposite sex

Here is a [discussion on
MyAnimeList](https://myanimelist.net/forum/?topicid=1345203) supporting this
definition:

> is when a character does something completely contradictory to what their
> usual habits/personality/character/appearence dictates.
>
> **AnimeSukiUser said**  
>  Yup, for the gap effect to work, you have to see the person in a completely
> different light that you never expect.

Pictures speak louder than words. So here are a few examples:

[![](https://i.stack.imgur.com/W7Gsq.gif)](https://i.stack.imgur.com/W7Gsq.gif)

This is [Tohsaka Rin](http://typemoon.wikia.com/wiki/Rin_Tohsaka) from the
Fate series, and a
[tsundere](https://anime.stackexchange.com/questions/26528/what-are-the-
characteristics-of-a-tsundere).
[Tsunderes](http://myanimelist.net/featured/412) are probably the most common
example of gap moe. To put it simply, tsunderes are characters who act all
_tsun_ around the one they love. Then they suddenly act all _dere_. If you
feel moe when a tsundere starts acting all deredere, THAT is gap moe.

Speaking of tsunderes...

[![](https://i.stack.imgur.com/LEjOZ.jpg)](https://i.stack.imgur.com/LEjOZ.jpg)

In Love Live!, [Nishikino Maki](http://love-
live.wikia.com/wiki/Nishikino_Maki) is probably the most mature among the
first years. However, she still believes in Santa! That gap between being
mature and believing in something a child (and child at heart) would only
believe, if you feel moe about that, THAT is gap moe.

The linked discussion gives a few more examples:

> A tomboy showing off feministic characteristics (Ex: Tsugumi from Nisekoi)  
>  A tough guy who is actually a pacifist (Ex: Cromartie High School)  
>  A stubborn perfectionist who finally admits defeat (Ex: Sasuke from Naruto)  
>  A character that almost always dresses flashy but decides to dress normal
> (Kuroneko from Oreimo)

So tldr; **Gap moe** is that moe feeling you experience when a character acts
and/or looks in a way that contradicts the way they usually do.




Let's look at the meaning of the words separately.

[A quick google search](https://www.google.com/search?q=gap%20meaning) tells
us that a **gap** is _a space or interval; a break in continuity_. It can also
mean to be a _difference_. [Here is a
post](https://anime.stackexchange.com/questions/894/what-does-moe-mean) that
addresses what **moe** is. If I were to describe it myself, it is the feeling
you get when you see someone/something so cute you just want to hug them and
take them home.

Combining the two, gap moe is that irresistible feeling you get when there is
a difference in the way someone/something acts and/or looks. When that
character acts/looks _out of character._

[This article](http://www.japanator.com/survey-says-just-what-on-earth-is-gap-
moe--13198.phtml) gives a more technical definition:

> described as "a contradiction in exhibited characteristics that people find
> cutely attractive"

Further supported by [this article](http://whatjapanthinks.com/2010/01/17/gap-
moe-alluring-discordance/):(Found this link on [Henry
Zhang's](https://anime.stackexchange.com/users/13504/henry-zhang)
[post](https://anime.stackexchange.com/a/20994/2479). Thanks dude!)

> refer to a contradiction in exhibited characteristics that people find
> cutely attactive in the opposite sex

Here is a [discussion on
MyAnimeList](https://myanimelist.net/forum/?topicid=1345203) supporting this
definition:

> is when a character does something completely contradictory to what their
> usual habits/personality/character/appearence dictates.
>
> **AnimeSukiUser said**  
>  Yup, for the gap effect to work, you have to see the person in a completely
> different light that you never expect.

Pictures speak louder than words. So here are a few examples:

[![](https://i.stack.imgur.com/W7Gsq.gif)](https://i.stack.imgur.com/W7Gsq.gif)

This is [Tohsaka Rin](http://typemoon.wikia.com/wiki/Rin_Tohsaka) from the
Fate series, and a
[tsundere](https://anime.stackexchange.com/questions/26528/what-are-the-
characteristics-of-a-tsundere).
[Tsunderes](http://myanimelist.net/featured/412) are probably the most common
example of gap moe. To put it simply, tsunderes are characters who act all
_tsun_ around the one they love. Then they suddenly act all _dere_. If you
feel moe when a tsundere starts acting all deredere, THAT is gap moe.

Speaking of tsunderes...

[![](https://i.stack.imgur.com/LEjOZ.jpg)](https://i.stack.imgur.com/LEjOZ.jpg)

In Love Live!, [Nishikino Maki](http://love-
live.wikia.com/wiki/Nishikino_Maki) is probably the most mature among the
first years. However, she still believes in Santa! That gap between being
mature and believing in something a child (and child at heart) would only
believe, if you feel moe about that, THAT is gap moe.

The linked discussion gives a few more examples:

> A tomboy showing off feministic characteristics (Ex: Tsugumi from Nisekoi)  
>  A tough guy who is actually a pacifist (Ex: Cromartie High School)  
>  A stubborn perfectionist who finally admits defeat (Ex: Sasuke from Naruto)  
>  A character that almost always dresses flashy but decides to dress normal
> (Kuroneko from Oreimo)

So tldr; **Gap moe** is that moe feeling you experience when a character acts
and/or looks in a way that contradicts the way they usually do.

