Line #38 Main/Dojikko


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4	[[quoteright:350:[[Literature/HaruhiSuzumiya https://static.tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pub/images/Mikuru_-_Dojikko_907311_851.jpg]]]]
5	[-[[caption-width-right:350:That's HOT! [[{{Beat}} beat]] I mean the tea...it looks hot...it might burn him...seriously, man! That's dangerous.]]-]
6
7	->''"Today's Resolution! I will not trip where there is nothing to trip on! ...Waugh!"''
8	-->-- '''Sae Sawanoguchi''', ''Anime/MagicUsersClub''
9
10	(Pronounced "doh-jeek-koh".)
11
12	Dojikko (ドジっ子) is Japanese for clumsy with the feminine suffix "-ko" added on the end. In other words: "clumsy child". The word can be used to describe people of both genders. It has also become a major "element of {{Moe}}" in anime and manga, and MediaNotes/AnimeFanspeak for CuteClumsyGirl. The attraction is not limited to Japan, the concept of a CuteClumsyGirl has worldwide appeal, mainly because her clumsiness makes her more [[NoGuyWantsAnAmazon approachable]].
13
14	The main difference is that in the West a CuteClumsyGirl is probably supposed to make the audience chuckle, while Dojikkos tend towards making them say, "Awwww! She's so [[{{Moe}} cute]]!" However, the core concepts overlap so much that all examples should be put on the CuteClumsyGirl page. You should also go there for a more general summary of how this interacts with other tropes. This page serves to define the fan term, provide some detail on how it is used in anime works and fandom, and discuss trope combinations that are common in anime but not the West.
15
16	To be labeled a dojikko, all a girl has to be is clumsy in a cute way. So an anime fan could use Dojikko to refer Western examples as well. Still, there are a few noticeable differences between anime dojikko and western examples.
17
18	Western examples tend to tack on clumsiness to an otherwise already established character idea so as make her more approachable. Anime examples tend to start out building a {{Moe}} character and often select Dojikko as a starting point, although Dojikkos almost always have additional {{moe}} elements added to create a "twofer" (or more) in the {{moe}} department. Because of this a dojikko is much more likely to appear as a [[PluckyComicRelief supporting character]] in an anime because she's an easy addition to appeal to a large fanbase. Western works tend to use cute clumsiness as a way to humanize the heroine, while western PluckyComicRelief tends to just be TheKlutz.
19
20	Some of the more common additional {{moe}} elements include:
21
22	* CloudCuckoolander: Instead of being a Ditz she's just off in her own little world.
23	* TheDitz: Very common. Maybe the reason she's so clumsy is because she's such an airhead. In a heroine, can be used to create TheFool.
24	* {{Determinator}}: If a heroine, this is a popular addition as either an alternative to TheFool, or sometimes in combination with it. It can also be a trait added for a non-heroine, as an alternative to ThePollyanna personality. If combined with ThePollyanna she becomes a clumsy PluckyGirl.
25	* DitzyGenius: She's smart but lacks social grace (in addition to lacking physical grace)
26	* EndearinglyDorky: Her clumsiness and general un-coordinatedness are because she's a grade-A dork, but that only makes her cuter
27	* GenkiGirl occasionally develops from ThePollyanna version.
28	* GeniusDitz: A common variation on ditzy dojikkos. One of the more famous early dojikkos [[Anime/TenchiMuyo Mihoshi]] has this trait.
29	* MaidOfMoe: Especially common to combine with the dojikko being in some position of servitude. A clumsy maid or waitress has become so common that parodies have practically become a trope in of themselves.
30	* {{Meganekko}}: Since glasses makes a girl approachable, and clumsiness does the same. Why not combine the two? BlindWithoutEm also provides a chance to justify some of the more outrageous acts of clumsiness.
31	* ThePollyanna: Her cheerful and optimistic personality offset the constant hardships she suffers from being so clumsy.
32	* Submissive: What can be more non-threatening than a girl who is submissive (perhaps because she's constantly messing up?) The more heroic view her as someone to [[KnightInShiningArmor protect]].
33
34	Apparently there are some subsets of anime culture that use dojikko as short hand to refer specifically to ThePollyanna + TheDitz + Submissive variation. This is probably the most common subtype of dojikko, and might make up as much as [[LiesDamnedLiesAndStatistics 1/3 of all anime dojikkos]].
35
36	As another aspect of the character, {{Fanservice}} can play a large role in the character type. "[[DeusExMachina Accidental]]" pratfalls often result in {{Panty Shot}}s (no {{Magic Skirt}}s here), and there is often plenty of overlap with MsFanservice in this trope. (Unless they're going for a more [[BigBrotherInstinct innocent emotional connection]]).
37
38	The popularity of this character among the anime subculture of Japan has led to a proliferation of these characters in anime, thanks in no small part to their ability to sell TheMerch. Expect [[http://img35.imageshack.us/i/mikuru20080704707.jpg/ figurines]], wall scrolls, and full-sized body pillows. Because of this, they may be added as a way of expanding the marketability of a show, much like the TokenMiniMoe. Expect TaremeEyes.
39
40	See CuteClumsyGirl for examples.
41
42	----

Context Main / Dojikko