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are Japanese-language expressions that are based on English words, or on parts of English phrases, but do not exist in standard English, or do not have the meanings that they have in standard English. In [[linguistics]], they are classified as pseudo-[[loanword]]s or [[pseudo-anglicism]]s.
An example is "handle-keeper", derived from "handle" with the meaning of "steering wheel", with the full phrase meaning designated driver. Some wasei-eigo terms are not recognizable as English words in English-speaking countries; one example is "skinship", which refers to physical contact between close friends or loved ones and appears to be a portmanteau of skin and kinship.Miura, Akira (1998). English in Japanese: a selection of useful loanwords. In other cases, a word may simply have gained a slightly different meaning; for instance, kanningu does not mean "cunning", but "cheating" (on an academic test). Some wasei-eigo are subsequently borrowed from Japanese into other languages, including English itself.
Since English loanwords are adopted into Japan intentionally (as opposed to diffusing "naturally" through language contact, etc.), the meaning often deviates from the original. When these loanwords become so deeply embedded in the Japanese lexicon, it leads to experimentation and re-fashioning of the words' meaning, thus resulting in wasei-eigo.
English loanwords are usually written in katakana, making it apparent that they are words non-native to Japan.KAY, G. (1995), English loanwords in Japanese. World Englishes, 14. This constant reminder that these are loanwords, and not natively Japanese, links the meanings of the words with the idea of "foreignness". Because of this, wasei-eigo (and some English loanwords) is often used as a method for speaking about taboo and controversial topics in a safe and neutral way. Further, being non-native Japanese words and marked as foreign in their writing, they can be associated with concepts and subjects that are non-normal, or uncommon in Japan.
In the media
Many scholars agree that the main proponent behind these wasei-eigo terms is the media, in order to create interest and novelty in their advertising and products. The use of English words is also an attempt by advertisers to portray a modern, cosmopolitan image – one that is often associated with Western culture.Hogan, J. (2003). The social significance of English usage in Japan. Japanese studies, 23(1).
Social connotations and main users
Though there is disagreement about the assumption that the majority of wasei-eigo are created by advertisers, the audience that predominantly uses wasei-eigo is youth and women. Many Japanese consider English loanword usage to be more casual and as being used mainly among peers of the same status. In addition, many wasei-eigo words are used to camouflage risqué terms and ideas, such as the famous rabuho (love hotel), or the many massaaji (massage) and saabisu (service) associated with taboo topics. Finally, wasei-eigo may be used to express a poetic and emphatic need of the speaker, resulting in a new term.
See also
Further reading
(1991). 9784767420158, Kenkyusha Limited. ISBN 9784767420158
(1998). 9780834804210, Weatherhill. ISBN 9780834804210
External links
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