From Japanese 萌え (moe, “budding, sprouting”), imperfective or continuative form of 萌える (moeru, “to burst into bud, to sprout”).
Meanings
(slang, uncountable) Strong interest in, and especially fetishistic attraction towards, fictional characters in anime, manga, video games, and/or similar media.
Someone who is pretty or beautiful isn't moe by definition. Moe characters don't always have to be younger girls, but it certainly helps! In fact, moe characters don't even have to be female! As long as they make you feel like you want to hug and protect them, that's enough! 2015 December 9, Jankenpopp, “Top 15 kawaii and moe anime girls”, in My Anime List:
Despite its moe roots and preference for hijinks, Bocchi The Rock is a loving celebration of rock music and the joys of being in a band. 2023 September 5, Trent Murray, “10 Best Anime Like Bocchi The Rock”, in Dual Shockers, Carole and Tuesday:
ja 萌え (strong interest or attraction towards fictional character) · cmn 萌 (strong interest or attraction towards fictional character) · hi मोए (strong interest or attraction towards fictional character) · ko 모에 (strong interest or attraction towards fictional character) · pl moe (strong interest or attraction towards fictional character) · yue 萌 (strong interest or attraction towards fictional character)
The crafty courtiers with their guileful looks,
Must needs put some experience in my maw:
Yet cannot these with many mast'ries moe
Make me shoot straight at any gainful prick […] c. 1572, George Gascoigne, Woodmanship:
Sing no more ditties, sing no moe. 1598–1599 (first performance), William Shakespeare, “Much Adoe about Nothing”, in Mr. William Shakespeares Comedies, Histories, & Tragedies […] (First Folio), London: […] Isaac Iaggard, and Ed[ward] Blount, published 1623, →OCLC, [Act II, scene iii]: