A

A&P

A&P / Aripai (A&P / アリパイ)

The abbreviation for the pirate-themed Lolita brand Alice & the Pirates.

AC

Abbreviation for art commission. Shopping-related term.

AatP

Old, but commonly used abbreviation for the pirate-themed Lolita brand Alice & the Pirates.

AFC

Abbreviation for available for commission. Shopping-related term.

AH

Abbreviation for the Chinese brand Anna House.

Alice Bow

A band worn on the head; holds hair from the face. Is usually adorned with a big ribbon. It's named after Alice from Alice in Wonderland. In Japan it's normally referred to as "katyusha", based on a Tolstoy character.

Alice Deco à la mode

Arisu Aramōdo / Arisu Deko (アリスアラモード / アリスデコ)

An inspirational magazine that contains Lolita and other fashion styles.

Alice and the Pirates

Arisu Ando Za Pairētsu (アリスアンドザパイレーツ)

A pirate-themed Lolita sub-brand of Baby the Stars Shine Bright. Created in 2004.

Alice Loli

Arisu Rori (アリスロリ)

Alice Loli, a style resembling the character Alice from Lewis Carrol's Alice in Wonderland. Color scheme is usually saxon blue, with a white apron and black & white/saxon blue striped socks. This term is nonexistant in the west.

A-Line

Arain (Aライン)

The shape of a dress or skirt, which flares out to create the silhouette of an A. Very popular in the 60's.

Aka Loli

Aka Rori(赤ロリ)

Aka Loli is a Japanese-only term that refers to a red variant of Kuro/Shiro Lolita. Aka means red.

Ama Loli

Ama Rori (甘ロリ)

Ama is short for amai (sweet). The style is known for it's childlike innocence, bright colors and imaginative prints.

Angelic Pretty

Anjerikku Puriti (アンジェリックプリティ)

A Lolita brand catering mainly to Ama Lolitas. Founded under the name Pretty in 1979.

Ankle Socks

Kurū Take Sokkusu (クルー丈ソックス)

Socks that are ankle height. Has been popular for the past few years.

Antique beasT

Antiiku Biisuto (アンティーク ビースト)

A brand catering to mainly Gothic and Ero Lolita.

Aoki Misako

Aoki Misako (青木美沙子)

An official model for Baby the Stars Shine Bright. Was appointed as a Kawaii Ambassador for the Japanese government in 2009. Works as a nurse.

AP

Abbreviation for the Lolita brand Angelic Pretty.

Asuka

One of the main designers working at Angelic Pretty since 2003. Often seen together with Maki.

Atelier Pierrot

Atorie Piero (アトリエピエロ)

A Lolita brand catering mainly to Gothic and Classic Lolitas.

B

Baby

Abbreviation for the Lolita brand Baby the Stars Shine Bright.

Baby the Stars Shine Bright

Beibii Za Sutāzu Shain Buraito (ベイビーザスターズシャインブライト)

A Lolita brand catering to a large variety of styles. Founded in 1988. The name is based on an album by the English band Everything but the Girl.

Beth

Miho Matsuda (ミホマツダ)

A closed sub-brand of Victorian Maiden created in 2006.

Bible

Abbreviation for the Gothic & Lolita Bible.

Bittersweet

Recent western term to describe an Ama Lolita coordinate in dark colors.

Black Peace Now

Burakku Piisu Nau (ブラックピースナウ)

A brand catering to Gothic and Punk Lolitas. Founded in 2004.

Bloomers

Buruma (ブルマ)

Shorts-like undergarment worn under dresses and skirts.

Bonnet

Bonetto (ボネット)

A form of headwear with a large brim framing the face, used in various Lolita styles. Introduced in the latter part of the 17'th Century.

Boystyle

Refers to the only male equivalent of Lolita fashion. Common western term. Also called Ouji.

BPN

Abbreviation for Black Peace Now.

Brolita

Term for a male dressing in Lolita.

BtSSB

Abbreviation for the Lolita brand Baby the Stars Shine Bright.

Burando

The romanized form of ブランド (brand). Often used by western Lolitas.

Bustle Skirt

Bassuru Sukāto (バッスルスカート)

A skirt that is pulled up in the back to reveal an underskirt.

Busu Loli

Busu Rori (ブスロリ)

Derogatory term used mainly by Japanese Lolitas to refer to Lolitas they deem unattractive. Busu means ugly.

C

Canotier

Kyanotie (キャノティエ)

Often a circular headdress with lace, ribbons or flowers. This term is used by Japanese brands. May refer to the French word canotier (boater hat).

Casu Loli

Kaju Rori (カジュロリ)

A toned down style of Lolita for everyday use. Casu is for Casual.

Circle Lens

A specific type of contact lens that is very popular in Japan, South Korea, Taiwan and China. Makes your irises appear larger for a doll-like look.

Classic Loli

Kurashikku Rori (クラシックロリ)

A more mature, classic style of Lolita. Often has an A-line silhouette and floral patterns. Also known as クラシカルロリ (Kurashikaru Rori; Classical Loli) in Japan.

Cosu Loli

Kosu Rori (コスロリ)

Cosu Loli refers to those who dress up in Lolita-themed clothing for Cosplay conventions. The clothing often has awkward designs and low-quality materials, and usually has a very costumey look. Common accessories are ネコミミ (nekomimi; cat ears). Cosu is derived from コスプレ (kosupure).

Cutsew

Kattosō (カットソー)

Clothing often made in t-shirt material (jersey); commonly includes t-shirts, cardigans, and hoodies, but also in some cases, dresses and skirts. Often has simple lace details and a Lolita-themed print. Goes well with Casu Loli. Sometimes incorrectly labeled as cutsaw.

Cyber Lolita

Western name of a Lolita style based on Cybergoth.

D

DA

Abbreviation for direct auction. Shopping-related term.

Dandy

A term used by western Lolitas to incorrectly label a mature aristocratic boystyle. Actual dandy fashion is not part of Lolita fashion.

Debu Loli

Debu Rori (デブロリ)

Derogatory term used mainly by Japanese Lolitas to refer to other overweight Lolitas. Debu means chubby or fat.

Deco Loli

Deko Rori (デコロリ)

An older style that was created with the rise of Decora, another Japanese fashion. This style can be said to have merged with Ama Loli to create the Kote Loli style. Deco is short for Decora.

Dosu Loli

Dosu Rori (ドスロリ)

Derogatory term used mainly by Japanese Lolitas to refer to other overweight Lolitas. Dosu refers to dosukoi (どすこい), a sumo exclamation.

Drawers

Dorowāzu (ドロワーズ)

Shorts-like undergarment worn under dresses and skirts. Longer than bloomers, and can be seen peeking out from underneath skirts.

DS

Abbreviation for direct sale. Shopping-related term.

DT

Abbreviation for direct trade. Shopping-related term.

E

EA

Abbreviation for eBay auction. Shopping-related term.

EGA

Abbreviation for Elegant Gothic Aristocrat.

EGL

Abbreviation for Elegant Gothic Lolita. May also refer to the EGL Livejournal community in the west.

Elegant Gothic Aristocrat

Ereganto Goshikku Arisutokuratto (エレガントゴシックアリストクラット)

A label mainly used by the brand Moi-Même-Moitié for their Aristocrat clothing.

Elegant Gothic Lolita.

Ereganto Goshikku Roriita (エレガントゴシックロリータ)

A label mainly used by the brand Moi-Même-Moitié for their Lolita clothing.

Emily Temple Cute

Emirii Tenpuru Kyūto (エミリーテンプルキュート)

An older Lolita / Otome brand that has a slightly more mature look.

Ero Loli

Ero Rori (エロロリ)

Ero Loli is a mildly sexualized variant of (usually) Gothic or Kuro Loli. Shorter skirts, display of cleavage and the usage of fetish elements and materials are common. Although more popular in the west, this style is rarely seen in general. Ero is derived from エロチック (erochikku) which means erotic.

ES

Abbreviation for Etsy sale. Shopping-related term.

ETC

Abbreviation for Emily Temple Cute.

F

F+F

Abbreviation for the Chinese brand Fan + Friend.

Fairy Lolita

Western name of a Lolita style based on Fairy-kei.

G

GLB

Abbreviation for Gothic & Lolita Bible.

GO

Abbreviation for group order. Shopping-related term.

Goth Loli

Gosu Rori (ゴスロリ)

This style is the oldest style of Lolita fashion, and widely recognized world-wide. It incorporates pure gothic elements, as well as the modest and cute parts of Lolita. It is commonly referred to as Gothic Lolita. ゴスロリ (gosu rori) is an abbreviation derived from ゴシックロリータ (goshikku roriita), which means Gothic Lolita. The term can also refer to a Lolita magazine containing photos and sewing patterns.

Gothic & Lolita Bible

A Lolita magazine with the latest news, articles, photos and sometimes sewing patterns.

Guro Loli

Guro Rori (グロロリ)

A horror-themed style that has the look of a broken, often blood-stained or bandaged doll. Guro is derived from グロテスク (gurotesuku) which means grotesque.

Gyaru

Gyaru (ギャル)

A term referring to Gyaru fashion, which has many sub-styles. ギャル (gyaru) means gal.

Gyaru Loli

Gyaru Rori (ギャルロリ)

A term referring to the mixture of Lolita and Hime Gyaru fashion.

H

h.NAOTO

Eichi Naoto (エイチナオト)

A brand catering to mainly Punk and Punk Lolita.

Half Bonnet

Hāfu Bonetto (ハーフボネット)

A bonnet without a backside.

Headbow

Another term for alice bow.

Heart E

Hāto ii (ハート イー)

A Lolita brand.

Hime Gyaru

Hime Gyaru (姫ギャル)

A sub-style of Gyaru fashion. Largely influences modern Lolita fashion.

Hime Loli

Hime Rori (姫ロリ)

A style that incorporates extravagant Lolita, and sometimes Hime Gyaru items into their outfits. Hime means princess.

Hirooka Naoto

Hirooka Naoto (ひろおかなおと)

Owner of the brand h.NAOTO.

I

Imai Kira

Imai Kira (今井キラ)

Illustrator who is known for her beautiful Lolita artwork. Often creates illustrations for Angelic Pretty.

Innocent World

Inosento Wārudo (イノセントワールド)

A Classic Lolita brand.

Isobe Akinori

Isobe Akinori (いそべあきのり)

One of the founders of the brand Baby the Stars Shine Bright. Married to Isobe Fumiko.

Isobe Fumiko

Isobe Fumiko (磯部フミ子)

One of the founders of the brand Baby the Stars Shine Bright. Married to Isobe Akinori.

Ita

Abbreviation for Ita Loli.

Ita Loli

Ita Rori (痛ロリ)

Derogatory term used by some Lolitas to label one who does not (in their opinion) get the fashion "right". The term itself comes from the japanese word itai which literally translates to painful Lolita, as in, a pain for the eyes to look at.

An Ita Lolita may use too much low-quality lace and fabrics, cosplay items or show too much skin.

ITS

Abbreviation for the now closed American Lolita brand In the Starlight.

IW

Abbreviation for the Lolita brand Innocent World.

J

Jane Marple

Jēn Māpuru (ジェーンマープル)

An older, more mainstream brand. Non-Lolita.

JetJ

Abbreviation for the Classic Lolita brand Juliette et Justine.

JP

Abbreviation for the brand Jane Marple.

JSK

Abbreviation for jumper skirt.

Juliette et Justine

Jurietto E Jusutiinu (ジュリエットエジュスティーヌ)

A Classic Lolita brand.

Jumper Skirt

Janpāsukāto (ジャンパースカート)

A dress without sleeves that can be worn with a blouse underneath.

K

Kakumei Zenya Yoh

Illustrator who is heavily influenced by Lolita fashion. His illustrations have been published in the Gothic & Lolita Bible.

Kano Masumi

A designer working at Baby the Stars Shine Bright.

Katyusha

Kachūsa (カチューシャ)

A headband often adorned with a big bow, lace or flowers. The term is based on a Tolstoy character, and is common with Japanese brands.

KERA!

Kera! (ケラ！)

A fashion magazine with news and photos on cute trends, including Lolita.

Knee Socks

Hai Sokkusu (ハイソックス)

Knee-length socks. Their popularity has dwindled in recent years in favor for OTK socks.

Kodona

Kodona (コドナ / こどな)

An incorrect term used by western Lolitas to label a childlike and innocent boystyle. Kodona, short for kodomo otona; means child adult. Originally came to be due to the description of the singer of Plastic Tree, Ryūtarō Arimura, in the Gothic & Lolita Bible. May be seen as offensive by Japanese.

Kote Loli

Kote Rori (コテロリ)

Kote Loli is an evolved, and more over-the-top variant of Ama Loli. Was popularized by the brand Angelic Pretty in 2006, and is currently one of the most popular styles. Kote is derived from コテコテ (kotekote) which is onomatopoeia for over-the-top.

Kuro Loli

Kuro Rori (黒ロリ)

Kuro Loli is a color-themed style where all clothing and accessories are black. Kuro is derived from 黒い (kuroi) which means black.

L

Lace Monster

Western term to describe (usually) a dress with a very large amount of lace.

LJ

Abbreviation for Livejournal, a social network website.

Loli

Rori (ロリ)

Abbreviation for Lolita.

Lolita

Roriita (ロリータ)

The Japanese fashion, or a person wearing Lolita fashion.

LP

Abbreviation for lucky pack.

Lucky Pack

Fukubukuro (福袋)

A secret pack of Lolita clothing, which combined value is worth more than the set price paid. They're sold seasonly by various Lolita brands, and you can often choose between different packs, containing only clothing or only accessories.

M

Maki

One of the main designers working at Angelic Pretty since 2001. Often seen together with Asuka.

Mana

Mana (マナ)

Mana, Visual Kei artist and owner of the brand Moi-Même-Moitié. Made Lolita popular in the early 2000's.

Mary Magdalene

Mearii Magudaren (メアリーマグダレン)

A Classic Lolita brand founded in 2003.

MAXICIMAM

Makishimamu (マキシマム)

An Ama Lolita brand founded in 1996.

Meta

Abbreviation for the Lolita brand Metamorphose temps de Fille.

Metamorphose temps de Fille

Metamorufōze Tan Du Fiiyu (メタモルフォーゼタンドゥフィーユ)

A Lolita brand with a large variety of styles. Founded in 1993.

Mihara Mitsukazu

Mihara Mitsukazu (三原ミツカズ)

Manga artist and illustrator who is heavily influenced by Lolita fashion. Her artwork is frequently featured on the covers of Gothic & Lolita Bible.

Miho Matsuda

Miho Matsuda (ミホマツダ)

An older Lolita brand catering mainly to Gothic and Classic Lolita.

Mille Fleurs

Miru Furūru (ミルフルール)

A Classic Lolita brand.

Milk

Miru Furūru (ミルク)

An older, more mainstream brand. Non-Lolita.

Mitsuba

The main designer of Alice & the Pirates.

MM

Abbreviation for the Classic Lolita brand Mary Magdalene.

MmM

Abbreviation for the Gothic Lolita brand Moi-Même-Moitié.

Moi-Même-Moitié

Mowa Mēmu Mowatie (モワメームモワティエ)

A widely popular Gothic Lolita brand owned by Mana. Founded in 1999.

Mori Lolita

Western name of a Lolita style based on Mori-kei. Mori means forest.

Mr. Yan

The owner of Bodyline. Infamous for his sale videos.

N

Nakamura Asumiko

Nakamura Asumiko (中村明日美子)

Manga artist who is heavily influenced by Lolita fashion. Her mangas are serialized in Gothic & Lolita Bible and Kera!, and often contains mature content.

Natural Loli

Nachuraru Rori (ナチュラルロリ)

Japanese name of a Lolita-influenced style based on Natural-kei. The brand MiELette Tautou caters to this style.

NWT

Abbreviation for new with tag. Shopping-related term.

O

Old School

Term used to describe Lolita fashion pre-OTT era. Common old school attributes are no prints, large rectangle headdresses, black x white color scheme, platform shoes and simple designs.

One-Piece

Wanpiisu (ワンピース)

By itself it means dress. In Lolita fashion, it specifically refers to a dress with sleeves.

OP

Wanpi (ワンピ)

Abbreviation for the one-piece.

Ota Loli

Ota Rori (オタロリ)

Ota is short for otaku (meaning: geek). A person who wears Lolita-style clothing on Cosplay events and conventions. Usually used as a derogatory term.

OTK

Abbreviation for over the knee socks.

Otome

A term referring to otome fashion, which is a cute and girly style. A popular alternative to Lolita fashion. おとめ (otome) means maiden or young lady.

OTT

Abbreviation for the over-the-top. Usually refers to Kote Loli, but can be applied to any style.

Ouji

Ōjii (王子)

Refers to the only male equivalent of Lolita fashion. Ouji means prince. Also called boystyle.

Over the Knee Socks

Ōbā Nii Sokkusu (オーバーニーソックス)

Socks that go past the knee. Very popular in recent years.

P

Pannier

Panie (パニエ)

Underskirts that are worn under Lolita skirts to create the poofy Lolita silhouette. This term is common in Japan.

Petticoat

Pechikōto (ペチコート)

An alternate word for pannier. This term is common in the west.

Pink Loli

Pinku Rori (ピンクロリ)

Pink Loli is a Japanese-only term that refers to a pink variant of Kuro/Shiro Lolita.

Pirate Lolita

A style with pirate elements. A brand that caters to this style is Alice & the Pirates.

Pretty

Puriti (プリティ)

Angelic Pretty's early brand name. Also the Japanese abbreviation for the brand name.

Punk Loli

Pan Rori (パンロリ)

A Lolita style which intergrates punk elements in the outfits.

Putumayo

Putomayo (プトマヨ)

A Lolita brand catering mainly to Punk Lolitas. Founded in 1990.

Q

R

RinRin

An official model for Angelic Pretty.

RHS

Abbreviation for rocking horse shoes.

Rocking Horse Shoes

Rokkin Hōsu (ロッキンホース)

Platform-styled shoes with wooden soles. Originally created by the world-famous British fashion designer Vivienne Westwood.

Romper

Ronpāsu (ロンパース)

Popular in recent years as a more casual alternative to full-blown Lolita.

Rori

The romanized form of ロリ (loli). Often used by western Lolitas.

S

Sailor Loli

Sērā Rori (セーラーロリ)

Sailor Loli is a themed style with sailor elements, such as sailor collars and nautical motifs/colors.

Salopette

Saropetto (サロペット)

Popular in recent years as a more casual alternative to full-blown Lolita.

Sax Loli

Sakkusu Rori (サックスロリ)

Sax Loli is a Japanese-only term that refers to a saxe blue variant of Kuro/Shiro Lolita. It also goes under the name 水色ロリ (mizuiro rori) which means light blue.

Shiro Loli

Shiro Rori (白ロリ)

Shiro Loli is a color-themed style where all clothing and accessories are white. Shiro is derived from 白い (shiroi) which means white.

Shirring

Shāringu (シャーリング)

Stretchable gathering found on dresses, blouses and skirts.

Split Wig

Refers to a wig that consists of two colors.

Spoon.

A magazine that features the Otome brand Emily Temple Cute and mainstream fashion.

SS

Abbreviation for shopping service or the Taobao brand Secret Shop.

T

Tea Party Shoes

Tiipātii Shūzu (ティーパーティーシューズ)

Flat, extremely popular shoes released by Angelic Pretty since around 2005.

Tights

Taitsu (タイツ)

Tights are the least common form of hosiery used in Lolita fashion.

Twin Loli

Futago Rori (双子ロリ)

Two Lolitas dressing up into the same outfit. May be in different colors schemes. Shiro and Kuro Lolita twinning is common.

U

Uehara Kumiko

Uehara Kumiko (上原久美子)

The main designer of Baby the Stars Shine Bright. Originally made her own line of Lolita clothing, which caught the eye of BtSSB and she was offered a job.

V

Victorian Maiden

Vikutorian Meiden (ヴィクトリアンメイデン)

A Classic Lolita brand founded in 1999.

Vivienne Westwood

Vivienne Wesutōddo (ヴィヴィアンウエストウッド)

A world-famous British fashion designer and brand. She is the creator of rocking horse shoes, and the brand is very popular with Lolitas worldwide.

VM

Abbreviation for the Classic Lolita brand Victorian Maiden.

W

Wa Loli

Wa Rori (和ロリ)

A Lolita style based on Japanese traditional clothing. Wa means Japanese-style.

Wrist Cuffs

Osodetome (お袖とめ)

An accessory worn on the wrist. Often decorated with ribbons, flowers and lace.

WTB

Abbreviation for want to buy. Shopping-related term.

WTS

Abbreviation for want to sell. Shopping-related term.

X

Y

Z