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


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question
culture terminology
What is gap moe?


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.


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answer


Another reason gap moe is used is because it allows the reader/viewer to see
the character as more than just a one dimensional figure, as in reality it is
entirely possible for people to be caught off guard by people who act
differently than expected.

The contradiction, when handled properly, makes perfect sense as the story
progresses because while it does SEEM contradictory, it makes sense in
hindsight when the given character's story and personality is explored
further.

This is because there is something behind that seemingly contradictory action
performed that strikes an interest - which is to say a story. It is through
this story that we are able to learn more.

Thus, gap moe is basically a product of a "hook, line, and sinker" that was
executed to not only make a character attractive, but provides the writer a
method of delving deeper into that character (as the reader/viewer's attention
is piqued and thus is unlikely to quickly reject the writer's attempt at
fleshing out the character).

Gap moe doesn't have to be all about what lies underneath, but as an
interesting fact about that character.

Humans tend to think logically one way or another (which is why we are able to
answer some questions without thinking too much or with little thought such as
"what's your name", "what city are you from", "what's your favorite color', et
cetera) and tend to try and find answers (some more than others) because it is
the pursuit of finding the answer that interests us - and depending on the
story, the end result is just as fascinating.

TL;DR Gap moe is a way of the author saying "here's something interesting
about this character that is going to be fleshed out later on" or "here's an
interesting fact" which generates interest as it makes the character more
realistic.


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answer


To put it very simple, is commonly said when a character that is serious, or
intimidant, or even ugly, does someone that is adorable or kind, and that
makes them cute/moe, because its not something you expected from that
character, both because their personality and appearance.

Actually, its currently more used for male characters.


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