I really hate the word "Otaku"

You could probably call me an otaku. I have hundreds of figures, a waifu, and not a day goes by that I don't get in at least a couple ep of anime. I'd never call myself an otaku though since it's simply not a good thing to call yourself. The word simply has large spread negative connotation, maybe not as much inn the west since most people don't seem to understand the word, but it's still not something positive. Even if we're going purely off the western view of the word otaku, many people would consider you a weirdo and a loser as the western version of otaku is often associated with obnoxious cross dressing transvestites pedophile weeboo virgin autistic manchilden. That's the kinda image the mass media loves to project for 'otaku' and by identifying as one that's what many would associate you with. If you don't care about what people think of you then that's fine, just know the word has a lot of negativity surrounding it. I used to be more open about it but over the years realized that the nail which sticks out is the one that gets hammered down. Sometimes it's best to just keep things to yourself and just share those details about yourself with people you know.

I am beginning to wonder what everyone here REALLY thinks of the word Otaku. Sorry to stem off of your question but what would you all think about person X if someone said to you , "Oh Person X is such an Otaku?" Because all that I would think about person X is that they probably watch a whole lot of anime. Would you really think that Person X was a Transvestite? Or PEDOPHILE?!?! That doesn't even make sense. It has nothing to do even remotely with any definition or portrayal of the word I've ever heard or seen. But what would you all think about person x, "Oh he/ she is such an Otaku."

When I hear the word otaku, I think of NEETs who spend hours playing video games, watching anime, use Japanese words out of context and have social issues. Weaboo is very similar except they're even worse, if possible

All of those terms overlap to some degree - also this is an English language website - I get your English sucks - but you shouldn't assume things based on your poor comprehension.

Do I like the word Otaku? No, its an insult just like the big N, is, even if people try to "Own it" as some say. Call yourself whatever you want, but the words context stays the same. Personally I do not think I'm an otaku, I just love anime, Well the ones I get into. I like quite a few, But I've never even watched half a hundred of them. Though call yourself whatever you want, that's up to you, it doesn't affect me but it doesn't mean I'll use it.