Pronunciation: [nˈiːkə͡ʊ] (IPA) 
The word "neko" (nee-koh) is a Japanese word that means "cat". It is spelled with two characters in Japanese: 猫. The first character, 猫, is pronounced "ne" (neh) and the second character, 猫, is pronounced "ko" (koh). The pronunciation and spelling of this word is important to note as some English speakers may mistakenly pronounce it as "neck-o". In Japanese, the word "neko" is typically written in hiragana (ねこ) or katakana (ネコ) script.
Neko is a term originating from the Japanese language, primarily used to refer to a domesticated house cat or a cat-like creature. In Japanese, "neko" directly translates to "cat," and the term has been widely adopted and recognized in various cultures beyond Japan due to the global popularity of Japanese manga, anime, and pop culture.
However, in certain subcultures, especially within the otaku and cosplay communities, "neko" can also refer to a human who possesses feline characteristics or attributes. These characteristics may include wearing cat ears, a tail, or exhibiting cat-like behaviors, such as playfulness or agility, as part of a costume or role-play.
The term "neko" is often associated with the concept of kemonomimi, which refers to human characters with animal features or traits. In this context, "neko" specifically denotes the cat aspect of kemonomimi characters.
"Neko" has gained popularity and recognition in internet forums and social media communities, where individuals may identify themselves as "neko" to express their admiration or affinity towards cats or cat-like creatures. In these contexts, "neko" can sometimes be considered a representation of a cute, playful, or mischievous persona, mimicking certain attributes associated with feline behavior.
Overall, "neko" encompasses both the literal meaning of a cat and the figurative representation of feline characteristics in human form, making it a versatile term used in various contexts within Japanese pop culture and beyond.
Trade name of an antiseptic coal-tar derivative, claimed to have a phenol coefficient of 16 to 20.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
The word "neko" comes from the Japanese language. In Japanese, "neko" (猫) means "cat". The origin of the word can be traced back to ancient Japan. There are various theories regarding the etymology of "neko". One theory suggests that it originated from the Old Japanese word "neku" or "nuku", which was used to describe the sound a cat makes. Another theory suggests that it came from the Chinese word "māo" (貓), which also means "cat". Over time, the pronunciation and spelling of the word evolved to become "neko" in Japanese.
