1.
devoted fan; groupie; fan who follows a celebrity around
A person who actively follows and chases after a celebrity, idol, or public figure, attending their events and appearances. Can range from enthusiastic fandom to obsessive behavior.
彼女はあのアイドルの追っかけだ。
She's a devoted fan of that idol.
若い頃はバンドの追っかけをしていた。
When I was young, I used to follow bands around.
全国ツアーの全ての会場に行く追っかけファンも少なくない。
There are quite a few devoted fans who go to every venue on the nationwide tour.
Derived from the verb 追いかける (to chase after), with the casual sound change おいかけ → おっかけ. The word describes fans who physically follow celebrities to events, concerts, and appearances. While it can be used lightheartedly, it sometimes carries a slightly negative nuance of obsessiveness.
USAGE:
Can be used as a noun (追っかけ) to describe the person, or as a verb phrase (追っかけをする) to describe the activity. 追っかけファン is a common reinforced form.
COMMON COLLOCATIONS:
- 追っかけをする — to follow (a celebrity) around
- 追っかけファン — devoted/obsessive fan
- アイドルの追っかけ — an idol's devoted follower
CULTURAL NOTE:
The concept is particularly associated with Japan's idol culture, where fans travel across the country to attend handshake events, concerts, and public appearances. The term predates the internet era and reflects a tradition of physically present fandom.
SIMILAR WORDS:
- ファン — fan; general term without the "following around" nuance
- 熱狂的ファン — fanatical fan; emphasizes intensity of emotion
- ストーカー — stalker; much more negative, implies criminal behavior