Much like the term otaku, yuri (although originally a Japanese loanword) has undergone significant semantic drift. In Japanese, the term is typically used to mean any lesbian content, whether sexual or romantic, explicit or implied; the term shoujo ai is not found in this context. American usage has historically differed: 'yuri' has typically been used to denote only the most explicit end of the spectrum, being effectively a variety of hentai, while 'shoujo ai' (independently coined, following the most common use of shounen-ai) described anything without explicit sex. However, American use of 'yuri' has broadened in recent years, picking up connotations from the Japanese use: the precise difference between 'yuri' and 'shoujo ai' -- or even whether or not there is a precise difference -- will vary depending on the speaker, and is rarely objective in any case. Common definitions include:
Yuri contains explicit sex; shoujo ai does not.
In yuri, the lesbian relationship (whatever its nature) is explicitly shown; in shoujo ai it is only implied.
Yuri is passionate; shoujo ai is romantic.
Yuri is ecchi; shoujo ai is innocent.
Yuri is a general term; shoujo ai is "fluffy" yuri.
Yuri and shoujo ai are equivalent.
`ChewedKandi has certainly gone out of her way to keep the vector community on the right path. Always making sure that her talents are infinitely scalable, Sharon has put her bezier curves to excellent use, and firmly anchored herself as an inspirational leader. We're absolutely delighted to bestow the Deviousness Award for June 2013 to `ChewedKandi. Congratulations, Sharon! Read More
Sta.sh
I looove yuri!!!