The phrase "Is it wrong to pick up girls in a dungeon?" is best known as the title of a Japanese light novel and anime series called "Dungeon ni Deai wo Motomeru no wa Machigatteiru Darou ka," often shortened to "DanMachi." The title translates roughly to "Is It Wrong to Seek Encounter in a Dungeon?" where "deai" means to meet or seek encounters, not necessarily to "pick up girls" in the casual or flirtatious sense. The story revolves around Bell Cranel, a young adventurer in a fantasy world who ventures into dungeons—dangerous underground labyrinths—to fight monsters and grow stronger. The title humorously and philosophically questions the idea of romance or relationships forming amid such dangerous adventures. The series explores themes more nuanced than simply trying to "pick up girls," such as camaraderie, purpose, and personal growth within the context of adventure and danger. While the literal English phrasing might sound odd or suggest something inappropriate, within the story's context it is not considered morally wrong. Instead, it raises questions about priorities, risks, and the nature of relationships formed in extreme situations. The "wrongness" is more a literary device to spark thought than a moral judgment. So, whether it is wrong or not depends on the context, purpose, and consequences of such relationships rather than the act itself. In summary, the phrase refers to a fictional setting where forming relationships in a dungeon is not inherently wrong but is portrayed with philosophical depth and narrative purpose rather than simple morality or social norms.
