"Eyecatch"

• The English words "eye" and "catch" comprise the anime term "eyecatch," pronounced "aikyatchi" in Japanese. An anime usually, but not always, has only one commercial break during the middle of an episode of a show (as well as commercial breaks after the opening titles and before the ending titles). Before the commercials air, an anime usually throws up a still image with the name of the show on it. You will see the same image or different images after the commercials finish airing. Some anime feature different eyecatches each episode. Although most Americans watch anime on DVD or through official online streaming and may not see the commercials, eyecatches remain because they are a part of the anime experience.
  
  

"Super Deformed" or "Chibi"

• Although slightly different in meaning, the anime terms "super deformed" and "chibi" refer to roughly the same aspect of anime. "Super deformed," usually shortened to "SD" means that the characters in an anime are shrunk to comically small proportions, usually with overly expressive but cute faces. "Chibi," which can be interpreted as "small person" in Japanese, can refer to the same shrunken type of anime character. Usually, but not always, characters appear in SD or "chibi" form only temporarily, usually for comedic effect, and shift back to normal size within seconds and without comment, as if suddenly shrinking were totally normal.
  
  

"Hentai"

• Anime sometimes has the reputation of being "adults-only" entertainment, although anime actually encompasses nearly every genre of TV entertainment, from children-aimed action comedies to teenage dramas to adults-only risque series. "Hentai," which means "perverted" in Japanese in this context, refers to anime that is adults-only and often features nudity in adult situations. If you are looking for anime suitable for children, pre-teens and teenagers, you will find many anime available, but you should avoid the "hentai" genre.
  
  

"Bishoujo" and "Bishounen"

• Translating to "pretty girl" and "pretty boy" respectively, "bishoujo" and "bishounen" refer to anime characters drawn to be willowy and attractive. The pretty boys, as with the western connotation of the term, may be slightly on the feminine and graceful side in looks alone, but they can still be masculine when it comes to their actions and character, and they are intended to appeal to female fans. Hearing an anime fan talk about a "bishoujo series" or a "bishounen series" means that the series is filled with many pretty girls or boys, to the point where the series' primary purpose may be to give fans attractive (animated) women or men to look at.