Gyaru language is commonly referred to as youth slang, and it continues to evolve year by year. And new words appear one after another.
Speaking of recent gyaru language, "kyapai," which means overcapacity, and "zussho," an abbreviation that has always been the same, were ranked in the gyaru buzzword award.
So, what kind of gyaru words were popular in the past?
In this article, we have selected some gyaru language that were popular from around 2016 to 2018 and introduce their meanings and usage.
Waita
The term "waita" won the top spot in the 2016 Gal buzzword award and is a familiar word for young people in their teens and twenties.
However, it has a different meaning from the "boiled" in "the water has boiled", so make sure to check its correct meaning!
Waita | Meaning | The tension rises. Excited state. Emotions and mood are elevated, and it's a state of being very thrilled or excited. |
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Usage | Used in a positive sense when you are excited, like saying "Cute!", "Happy!", "The best!", or "Amazing!". | |
Example sentence | I was so waita(excited) to see my favorite celebrity on TV this morning. Did you watch the drama yesterday? That scene was so waita(exciting)! |
Yoki
"Yoki" started being used around 2016 and ranked second in both the 2016 Gal buzzword award and the 2016 Junior and Senior High School Girls Mobile Buzzword Award.
Even now in Japan, many young people use the words "yoki" or "yoki yoki" on social media.
Yoki | Meaning | It means "good", "nice", or "wonderful." |
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Usage | Often used when agreeing with someone's opinion or when something good happens to oneself. | |
Example sentence | My favorite did a makeover. It's yoki!(good in its own way.) This hair color is really yoki!(nice). |
Sai and Kou
The singer "Kyary Pamyu Pamyu" released the single "Sai & Kou" in 2016, which instantly garnered attention.
It was one of the gal language that was highly noticed at the time, ranking 5th in the 2016 Gal buzzword award.
Sai and Kou | Meaning | The same as "the best." |
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Usage | Often used on social media platforms like Instagram and Twitter to express a good mood. | |
Example sentence | I went to my favorite's live show today! It was sai and kou (the best)♡ |
Yabatanien
"Yabatanien", which ranked seventh in the 2016 Gal buzzword award, became widely known because of its use in a skit by the comedian "EXIT".
Yabatanien | Meaning | Means the same as "crazy." It is said to be a combination of the trendy word "yabatan" from around 2012 and the famous food manufacturer "Nagatani-en." |
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Usage | Apart from predicting dangerous situations or inconveniences, it can also be used to express a positive image like "amazing" or "the best". Moreover, there is also an evolved word, "yabatanien-no-murityaduke." |
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Example sentence | I've gained too much weight recently, it's yabatanien(crazy)... I'm so sleepy, it's yabatanien-no-murityaduke. |
Ari Yori no Ari (Nashi Yori no Ari, Ari Yori no Nashi, Nashi Yori no Nashi)
It's said that the spread of "Ari Yori no Ari", which ranked eighth in the 2016 Gal buzzword award, was due to a variety show "Ari Yori no Ari Visualizing the Ideal Man and Woman" in which the comedian "Arita Teppei" from "Cream Stew" appeared.
There are similar phrases like "Nashi Yori no Ari", "Ari Yori no Nashi", and "Nashi Yori no Nashi."
Let's look at their meanings.
Ari Yori no Ari | Meaning | ・Ari Yori no Ari → If it's between "yes" or "no", it's "yes". It expresses a full affirmation. ・Nashi Yori no Ari → It has elements of "no", but it ultimately expresses "yes." ・Ari Yori no Nashi → It has elements of "yes", but it ultimately expresses "no." ・Nashi Yori no Nashi → If it's between "yes" or "no", it's "no". It expresses a full denial. |
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Usage | Often used in conversations when someone asks for a binary choice, like "yes or no?" For instance, if someone asks, "Do you want to go for drinks after work?" and you reply with "Ari Yori no Ari!", it can be understood as a strong affirmation like "absolutely yes". |
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Example sentence | A: What do you think of men who are good at flattering? B: Hmm, for me, it's Ari Yori no Nashi. (Ultimately no) C: What do you think of the combination of natto and mayonnaise? D: It's definitely Nashi Yori no Nashi! (Absolutely no) |
Fukkaru
Have you ever heard someone say, "That person is so fukkaru"?
It's written as "フッ軽" and pronounced as "fukkaru."
Since it ranked ninth in the 2016 Gal buzzword award, it is still widely used among young people.
Fukkaru | Meaning | It's an abbreviation of "footwork is light", implying someone who is proactive or can respond swiftly. |
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Usage | It is often used to describe someone who readily agrees to a sudden invitation to play. Also, people who respond quickly on social media or messaging apps like LINE are called "fukkaru". |
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Example sentence | A: It seems like one person suddenly couldn't come. B: Do we know anyone who's fukkaru? A: I'll try inviting XX, she's quite fukkaru. |
Kibitsui
"Kibitsui" is a youth words term that spread mainly on social media and the internet from around 2016.
Kibitsui | Meaning | A combination of the words "strict" and "tight" in Japanese. It denotes a very adverse situation or a predicament. By combining similar words, the severity of the situation is further emphasized. |
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Usage | It's used to describe tough or strict situations. While it's a convenient term to convey a more difficult situation than simply saying "strict", it often seems to be used in a lighter nuance. |
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Example sentence | I came for an all-you-can-eat sweets, but eating any more would be kibitsui~ I have to study for a test after my part-time job! It's so kibitsui. |
Wan-chan
The term "Wan-chan" is frequently used on social media and TV.
While it's not a newly created word and was originally used in Mahjong.
However, it has a different meaning when used by young people, so be sure to check!
Wan-chan | Meaning | An abbreviation of "one chance", suggesting the possibility of an opportunity or that there might still be a chance to win. |
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Usage | It's often used as a replacement for phrases like "maybe" or "if luck is on our side." It can also have a connotation similar to "there's a romantic interest". Furthermore, it's a versatile term, like when agreeing with someone's suggestion, saying "one-chan aru ne" meaning "that's a viable option". |
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Example sentence | I've been turned down once, but there might still be a "wan-chan." A: If we miss the last train, should we just drink till morning? B: Wan-chan ari. |
Sunoru
"Sunoru" is a word mainly used by females in their teens and twenties.
It ranked ninth in the 2016 High School Girls' Trendy Word Awards.
The birth of this word is attributed to the widespread use of smartphone selfies.
Sunoru | Meaning | It's a shortened term for "taking (or editing) a photo with SNOW." SNOW is a smartphone app that uses facial recognition to automatically superimpose and edit photos. |
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Usage | It's used when taking or editing a photo using the SNOW app. This term can often be heard in everyday conversations as well as on social media. |
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Example sentence | Everyone gather up! Let's sunoru! |
Ma?
"Ma?" secured the top spot in the 2017 Gal buzzword award and is still widely used among the youth.
Ma? | Meaning | It's an abbreviation of "Maji?", which means "Really?", "Seriously?", or "For real?". |
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Usage | The usage is the same as "Maji?". By abbreviating it to "Ma?", the surprise or astonishment is further emphasized. |
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Example sentence | A: I got this dress on sale for just 500 yen! B: Ma? I wish I had gone too~. |
Kako1
You often hear "Kako1" in casual daily conversations.
After ranking fourth in the 2017 Gal buzzword award, it has become widespread not only among the younger generation but across various age groups.
Kako1 | Meaning | An abbreviation of the Japanese word "kako-ichiban," which means "best ever in the past." Essentially, it signifies something being the top experience one has had to date. |
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Usage | For instance, if you wanted to say "the saddest I've ever felt," you'd phrase it as "Kako1 sad." Other examples include "Kako1 delicious," " Kako1 fun," or "Kako1 happy." |
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Example sentence | This roller coaster is kako1 scary |
Furorida
"Furorida" ranked fifth in the 2017 Gal buzzword award.
Hearing just "Furorida" might be confusing if you don't know its meaning.
It's a classic example of youth slang commonly used on SNS or during live streams.
(Note: It has no connection to the state of Florida in the USA.)
Furorida | Meaning | A shortened phrase from "I'm going to take a bath (Furo) so I'll come out for a bit (Rida)." |
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Usage | For instance, during a live stream, a broadcaster might use it to inform viewers that they're taking a break to bathe. Even viewers can use it amongst themselves to signify they're taking a short break. It's a versatile term that can also be used in chats on platforms like Twitter and LINE. |
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Example sentence | I'll be back after I Furorida and then continue the live stream~. I hate to leave when it's getting exciting, but I need to Furorida~. |
Maji Manji(Maji Swastika)
The phrase "Maji Manji(卍)" ranked fourth in the JCJK Trendy Word Ranking in 2017.
Originally, in Japan, the "manji(卍)" was used as a map symbol to indicate temples.
Hence, many might not grasp the meaning of this youth language.
Maji Manji | Meaning | A combination of "Maji" (Really) and "Manji". It's used to express heightened emotion. |
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Usage | It's primarily used when someone's excited or to emphasize something. It's also used as a fun phrase during photo-taking, similar to "Hi cheese!" It is a versatile word that can be used without thinking about its meaning. |
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Example sentence | I'm super excited for tomorrow's field trip, Maji Manji~ This pancake is delicious, so Maji Manji! |
Okemaru
"Okemaru" is a youth language term frequently used in daily conversations and on platforms like LINE.
There are also similar terms like "Oke" and "Ok" that have the same meaning.
Okemaru | Meaning | "Okemaru" is a term derived from combining "Okay" with a punctuation mark "。". It essentially means "Okay," "Understood," or "Got it." |
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Usage | It's used to express agreement. Additionally, the evolved term "Okemaru Suisan" has the same meaning. |
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Example sentence | A: Is 10 AM okay for our meeting tomorrow? B: Okemaru! C: I might be a little late for the meet-up! D: Okemaru~ |
Ii nami notten ne~
"Ii nami notten ne~" achieved the top rank in the 2018 Gal buzzword awards, popularized through TikTok.
Originally, the phrase comes from a song titled "Ii nami notten☆NIGHT" by the female quartet "F*cking Rabbits."
Ii nami notten ne~ | Meaning | Similar to the expression "riding a wave," it indicates when things are going smoothly or someone's in good form. |
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Usage | It's typically used to tell friends "You're doing great!" | |
Example sentence | A: Recently, I got a boyfriend and even got a raise at my part-time job. B: Really? Ii nami notten ne~! |
Suki-pi
"Sukipi" is a young person's phrase that is often used in young people's conversations.
This word won the second place in the 2018 Gal buzzword awards and continues to be popular, especially among high school girls, even in the Reiwa era.
Suki-pi | Meaning | Short for "Suki na People" (Loved or Favorite People). Essentially, it means someone you like or favor. There are also related terms like "Kare-pi" meaning boyfriend and "Kare-pippi" indicating someone who is more than a friend but not yet a boyfriend. |
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Usage | "Suki-pi" doesn't necessarily refer to a specific individual but can refer to a broader range, from a crush, friends, favorite singers, celebrities, or even characters. | |
Example sentence | I got invited to have lunch by my Suki-pi! |
Agemizawa
"Agemizawa" is believed to be coined by the YouTuber "Kemio-kun."
After that, the term became popular among his viewers and later earned third place in the 2018 Gal buzzword awards.
Agemizawa | Meaning | The term evolved from "Age" to "Agemi" and then "Agemizawa." It signifies a state of high tension or excitement. |
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Usage | Used when someone is in high spirits, having fun, or wants to express joy. | |
Example sentence | I met a handsome guy, and I'm so Agemizawa! Our physical education class got canceled at the last minute. Agemizawa~ |
Yabamizawa
"Yabamizawa" has the "~zawa" suffix similar to "Agemizawa."
So you can roughly guess its meaning.
Yabamizawa | Meaning | The term evolved from "Yabai" to "Yabami" and then "Yabamizawa." |
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Usage | It's frequently used when someone has a bad premonition or wants to express heightened emotions. Essentially, it carries the same meaning and usage as "Yabai". |
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Example sentence | I messed up my alarm and am going to be late for work! Yabamizawa~ This cake tastes so good, it's Yabamizawa. |
Baeru
With the dominance of SNS, terms like "Instagrammable" have spread.
After that, the term "Baeru" became popular and ranked fourth in the 2018 Gal buzzword awards.
Nowadays, it's recognized and used across various age groups.
Baeru | Meaning | Indicates something grand or notably beautiful and stands out. |
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Usage | On platforms like Instagram, you might hear "This photo is so Baeru" to describe a particularly striking photo. It's also used to refer to picturesque views, delicious sweets, cute animals, chic shops, or anything else you'd want to share with others because it stands out. |
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Example sentence | This view looks good from any angle, very baeru. This interior is baeru~ |
Azamaru Suisan
"Azamaru Suisan" ranked fifth in the 2018 Gal buzzword awards.
This youth language term became well-known because of the popular comedians "EXIT" who frequently used it on television.
Azamaru Suisan | Meaning | It changes from "Thank you very much" to "Azassu" to "Azasu" to "Azamaru." The term "Azamaru Suisan" is believed to be a combination of "Azamaru" and a popular Japanese izakaya chain "Isomaru Suisan." Notably, the "Maru" in "Azamaru" represents the punctuation "。". |
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Usage | Used when expressing gratitude to Frank. | |
Example sentence | A: I bought the concert tickets for all of us. B: Ooh, Azamaru Suisan~! |
Suko
The term "Suko" ranked seventh in the 2018 Gal buzzword awards and is frequently encountered on platforms like SNS and LINE.
Suko | Meaning | "Suko" means "like" or "love." It is said to have originated from a typo on a Nico Nico Douga video where someone accidentally commented "suko" instead of "suki" (love). |
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Usage | It's often used on social media platforms like Twitter and Instagram to express affection or liking. The nuance is usually lighter than the word "suki" (love). |
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Example sentence | My favorite idol is too cute! Totally suko~ This tapioca is so delicious! Seriously suko. |
Emoi
Many people might have come across the term "Emoi" on platforms like SNS and YouTube.
Even in the Reiwa era, it's a term commonly used, especially among teenagers.
Emoi | Meaning | "Emoi" is derived from the English word "emotional." It refers to something that is emotionally moving or poignant. It can mean "emotional," "moving," or "sentimental." |
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Usage | It's used when something stirs your feelings, evokes nostalgia, or when you find something poignant. It's a handy term to express feelings after viewing pictures, listening to music, or watching movies. |
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Example sentence | Taking a photo with Mount Fuji in the background is so emoi. The scenery in this movie is so real; it doesn't seem like CGI. Too emoi. |
Tapi-ru
The first tapioca specialty store opened in Japan in 2013, and since then, tapioca became a trend, especially among high school girls.
Amidst this trend, words like "tapi-ru" and "tapi-katsu" (tapioca activities) became popular.
In 2018, "Tapi-ru" even topped the JCJK buzzword ranking.
Tapi-ru | Meaning | "Tapi-ru" is derived from the word "Tapioka" (Tapioca) and turned into a verb. It essentially means "to drink a tapioca drink." |
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Usage | The term "Tapi-ru" is mainly used among close acquaintances.
Its variations are also in use. "Tapi-katsu," which means engaging in the activity of drinking tapioca, is another popular term. |
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Example sentence | My dream is to tapi-ru on a date with my crush. I just tapi-tta a while ago, but tapi-ritai (I want to again). After school today, let's do some tapi-katsu. |
How was it?
Have you ever heard of Gyaru language?
New words are created every year in the Gal language, and the language changes rapidly.
There are gyaru language that were popular at the time but are no longer used, and gyaru language that are still popular today.
I'm looking forward to seeing what kind of gal language will appear next.