Something sparked a memory that I've meant to find out about; the term hollow

[captain queeg]

I run into it occasionally when someone will end their statement with “don’t you dare turn hollow” or something like that. I think I’ve seen that term used in anime but can’t remember how it was used. Anyone know the meaning or origin of it used to describe a human?

[JoseBalow]

1. I don't know, but you could also try asking the Languages and Linguistics forum

https://www.democraticunderground.com/?com=forum&id=1165

[Donkees]

2. Don't You Dare Go Hollow

https://outcastpress.substack.com/p/dont-you-dare-go-hollow

I stumbled on the phrase: Don’t you dare go hollow while looking for information on Elden Ring (the newest installment from From Software—notorious for games of an unforgiving nature). I subsequently fell down a YouTube and Reddit rabbit hole. I read many posts, and watched several videos from heartwarming stories from people claiming Dark Souls lifted them out of depression, suicidal ideation, and anxiety. These individuals were open about their crippling depression, and finding solace in playing these games. Frequently, the poster would sign off with a message to others: don’t you dare go hollow.

Souls-like games are brutal (the world is dark, and the gameplay unforgiving). The world is defined by death, and decay, and you’re relentlessly punished for mistakes. It’s almost as if the subtext of the world is: get the fuck out. These games don’t hold your hand. They beat your ass again and again and again.

What does “going hollow” mean? For this essay, the in-game meaning isn’t important. Extracting the phrase to non-game worlds, a plausible interpretation is: losing hope, losing a sense of purpose (in the game it’s much the same). And when a person says: don’t you dare go hollow, they usually refer to not quitting the game. Rather, it’s a call to push on, and not give up. I submit: don’t you dare go hollow is also a real world call to not only retain hope, but also shows that in pushing through a punishing game, you can push through the punishing game of life.

The game is relentless.

Life is relentless.

If you can conquer the game, there’s hope you can conquer life.

[captain queeg]

3. Thanks. I think I've run across it in anime where it also a version of "soulless".

[Donkees]

4. The opposite would be a strong inner core of resilience