Virtual Youtube (V-Tube) Term Explained
Similar to conventional streamers, Virtual YouTubers (aka, VTubers) have the option to present themselves in various ways. Some may opt for a family-friendly approach, while others may heavily incorporate vulgar humor. Due to their anime-inspired avatars, VTubers have a greater opportunity to fully embody their chosen persona. Seiso is a commonly used term within the VTuber community that refers to a specific personality that VTubers may adopt among many others.
Is there a VTuber that individuals are willing to safeguard no matter what? Is it difficult to envision them uttering anything questionable or inappropriate? It is highly probable that they are classified as a Seiso VTuber. Let’s find out in this article.
Meaning of ‘Seiso’ Explained
The term Seiso, originating from Japanese, means “neat and clean, tidy, trim,” and is often used interchangeably with “wholesome” in the context of VTubers. As the VTuber industry has its roots in Japanese idols, the term initially referred to individuals who were regarded as “pure, clean, and ideal.” A VTuber can be classified as “Seiso” if they portray a wholesome character archetype. Although there is no official definition for what constitutes a Seiso VTuber, those who embody this trait often present themselves as cute and innocent. They tend to have a soft-spoken and calm demeanor, with a voice that is pleasant to listen to.
Generally, Seiso VTubers are not associated with anything sexual, despite the possibility of their models being designed to be sexy or frightening. Rather, it is more about their personality. As long as the streamer portrays themselves as “innocent,” they are typically classified as Seiso. Seiso VTubers typically steer clear of using foul language or making crude jokes during their streams. They may not pick up on lewd humor or unintentional innuendos, which often elicit a response from their audience. In such cases, viewers or collaborators may explain the joke to the VTuber, causing them to feel flustered and embarrassed.
On rare occasions, Seiso VTubers may slip up and curse. The stark contrast between their typically innocent and calm demeanor and the sudden use of foul language is often seen as a form of “Gap Moe” and is highly entertaining to fans.
How does the term ‘Seiso’ originate?
Although Seiso is often used literally to describe VTubers who personify a wholesome and innocent persona, it is also frequently used ironically. The term is sometimes employed humorously to describe talents who are anything but Seiso. The term first gained popularity in the VTuber community through its use to humorously describe Dennou Shojo Siro and Tsukino Mito, both of whom had a reputation for being the opposite of Seiso.
Many other VTubers have since embraced the term ironically. For instance, in August 2020, VShojo’s Nyatasha Nyanners released a parody of Doja Cat’s “Say So,” titled “SEISO,” which poked fun at the concept. In the song, Nyanners portrayed a VTuber who described herself as “The purest, sweetest maiden” while also incorporating elements of humor and irony. Nyanners’ parody song “SEISO” features cracks in her persona as the lyrics reveal her inner demons and thoughts, with lines such as “No matter what I do, my inner demon comes through” and “My mind is truly rotten.”
Since then, other VTubers such as Mysta Rias and rpr have also carried on the tradition of being ironically Seiso. This suggests that the term has become a part of the culture of the VTuber community and is used as a way to playfully subvert expectations and poke fun at established norms.
During a Hololive English Myth collaboration, Takanashi Kiara presented a graph that charted each VTuber on axes of “purity” and “intelligence.” She established that the higher a VTuber is on the graph, the purer and Seiso they are. However, Kiara’s character designer, huge, dropped into her chat and accused her of being “Seiso,” which became a derogatory term for being the opposite of Seiso: “dumb and horny.” This term became an early meme for Hololive English and was often the subject of funny moments.
Kiara later explained the term “Seiso” to Hololive’s content manager, A-chan, during her talk-show-inspired segment HOLOTALK. This indicates that Hololive English and the wider VTuber community enjoy using humor to subvert expectations and playfully poke fun at established norms.
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