Mecha
/ˈmɛk.ə/noun
A large robot or robotic machine, especially in science fiction.
Did you know?Mecha comes from Japanese メカ (meka), a clipped borrowing from English "mechanical," so its power is modern pop culture, not a hidden occult root.
Etymological Timeline
Late 19th Century
English
mechanical
“Relating to machines or machinery.”
20th Century
Japanese
メカ (meka)
“A shortened form used for mechanical devices or machinery.”
1970s
Japanese
メカ (meka)
“Used in science fiction and anime for giant robots or mechanical beings.”
Late 20th Century
English
mecha
“Borrowed from Japanese to mean a giant robot or robot suit in science fiction.”
Explore more surprising origins