Chibi is a style of caricature originating from Japan, characterized by oversized heads and undersized bodies, typically in the ratio of one to four or one to three. The term chibi literally translates to short person or small child in Japanese. This art style is widely used in manga, anime, and character design to represent characters in a cute, childlike manner, often to evoke a sense of adorability, innocence, or humor. Chibi characters feature exaggerated facial expressions, large eyes, and simplified features, making them easily recognizable and endearing to audiences. The style has its roots in the super deformed (SD) art style that emerged in the 1970s, which aimed to create a comedic effect by distorting character proportions. Chibi has since evolved into a distinct style, often used for promotional materials, merchandise, and as a form of artistic expression in fan art communities. The popularity of chibi has transcended its Japanese origins, influencing character design in various forms of media worldwide, including video games, webcomics, and animated series. Its versatility allows artists to adapt a wide range of characters into the chibi style, from serious and dramatic protagonists to villains and anthropomorphic creatures, adding a layer of lightheartedness and accessibility to the original designs.
cute adorable small childlike deformed exaggerated
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