Burikko

is a Japanese term for girls or women who act deliberately cute and/or innocent in a put on way. The term was coined during the 1980s, and is sometimes attributed to Japanese comedian Kuniko Yamada, though its exact moment of invention is unclear. Burikko style is often associated with Japanese idols of the 1980s such as Seiko Matsuda. It is associated with the Japanese notion of ''kawaii'', meaning "cute", which has become important in modern Japanese culture. Burikko is not so much a style or state of being, but a set of tools employed to mask the self, particularly women's sexuality. This is emphasized in the common phrase ''burikko suru'' "to do ''burikko".''

Characteristics

Burikko are girls or women who act cute and cuddly. It includes the "idea of a helpless, submissive, and cute look of a young girl". The burikko subculture is an example of adults embracing child-like behavior and speech as a form of cuteness, also seen in South Korean ''aegyo'' or Chinese ''sājiāo'' among others.

Behaviors associated with burikko include "kitten writing", a rounded form of handwriting characters, as well as forms of baby talk "to sound like children learning to speak". As part of this childish way of speaking, people may refer to themselves by name as though they are talking about a third person. Burikko may also include a nasalized pronunciation, high pitch, amusing or light phrases, and mannerisms such as covering the mouth when smiling. Vocabulary will also convey burikko, by using melodic, sing-song vocabulary or onomatopoeia. Examples include ''otete'' instead of ''te'' for hand, ''katchoi'' instead of ''kakkoii f''or "cool," and ''wanwan'' "woof woof" for dog. Burikko may also use person suffixes added to nouns, such as ''takuchan'' "Mr. Little Taxi" instead of ''takushii'' for taxi.

Criticism

Burikko is often elicited ''otoko no mae'' "in front of men" as a means of conveying weakness and deference.

Burikko becomes problematic in circles where the term has come to replace "young woman," reflecting upon young women a negative, phony connotation. Although men may complain about burikko, labeling its doers as fake, men may still appreciate and encourage the social connotation which it provides, positioning women beneath men in terms of strength and power. The paradox creates a "damned if she does, damned if she doesn't" dilemma for young women both desiring to appear genuine and desiring to advance in male-dominated society.

See also

* Lolicon
* Sexy baby voice

References

Further reading

*

Japanese culture

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