Definition of «yaoi»

"Yaoi" is a term used to describe a genre of fictional media, primarily originating from Japan, that focuses on romantic or sexual relationships between male characters. It is typically created by and for a female audience, though its reach has expanded significantly across the internet. In social media discourse, it is often used as a shorthand to describe any male-male pairing or dynamic in fan art and fan fiction. The term can carry various connotations, from casual shipping to a specific interest in the tropes associated with the genre.