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Glossary Entry : ABC
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This shows up, albeit not too frequently, in anime and manga and is rarely explained so I'll mention it here. A, B and C are used as codes to specify three steps in the physical side of a relationship. The American equivalent of getting to `first base' with a girl. I'm not exactly certain, but I believe A is kissing, B is fondling and C is naked and making the bed squeak.
The example that reminded me of this usage was in the series "Marmalade Boy". Miki has quite a crush on Yuu and is distressed to find that he has a previous girlfriend. When he mentions that they did, "the usual things couples do", three signs form in the background while Miki gets a weird look on her face. The signs being A, B and C. Of course Yuu notices the weird look and comments on the fact she's having `ecchi' thoughts. Which also makes it an example of how ecchi can be used in a quite friendly, teasing, sort of way.
Needless to say, with all stuff like this, I would advise against trying to show off your knowledge to an actual Japanese person. I'm sure the actual meaning and usage is more convoluted than I could possibly imagine.
Words by Andrew Shelton, Web by Ticti, Last Compile: Wed Aug 5 12:39:49 WST 2009