クソゲー
Meaning: A crappy, terrible, or poorly made game. Combines クソ (kuso, 'crap/damn') and ゲー (from ゲーム, 'game'). Sometimes used endearingly.
クソゲー is the standard Japanese term for a bad video game — one with poor controls, bad graphics, unfair mechanics, or no fun factor. However, there is also a fond subculture around クソゲー, where people deliberately seek out and enjoy terrible games for their humor value (similar to 'so bad it's good' movies). Gaming YouTubers and streamers often feature クソゲー content. The term can also be used metaphorically for real-life situations that feel poorly designed or unfair.
Examples
- 期待してたのにクソゲーすぎてがっかりした。 明明很期待的,结果是个大烂作,太失望了。Tenía muchas expectativas pero era tan malo que me decepcionó.기대했는데 너무 쿠소게라서 실망했어.
- あのゲーム、クソゲーだけど逆にハマるw 那个游戏虽然是烂作,但反而让人上瘾哈哈。Ese juego es una porquería, pero curiosamente engancha jajaja.저 게임, 쿠소게인데 오히려 빠져드는ㅋ
- レビュー見たらクソゲーって書かれまくってた。 看了评论,全都写着是垃圾游戏。Miré las reseñas y todo el mundo decía que era un juego horrible.리뷰를 보니까 쿠소게라고 도배되어 있었어.
Pronunciation
/ku.so.ɡeː/
Usage Guide
Context: gaming, casual conversation, social media, streaming
Tone: critical, sometimes affectionate
✓ Do Say
- これ完全にクソゲーじゃんw (This is a total crappy game lol)这完全是垃圾游戏嘛哈哈(这绝对是个烂作哈哈)Esto es un juego cutre total jajaja.이거 완전 쿠소게잖아ㅋ (이건 완전 쓰레기 게임이라는 뜻)
- クソゲーだけど好き。 (It's a terrible game but I love it.)虽然是烂游戏但我很喜欢。(虽然是垃圾游戏但我就是爱玩。)Es un juego horrible, pero me encanta.쿠소게인데 좋아해. (형편없는 게임인데 좋아한다는 뜻)
✗ Don't Say
- 開発者の前で「クソゲー」と言う (Don't call a game 'kusogee' in front of its developers — it's very rude)在开发者面前说'垃圾游戏'(不要在游戏开发者面前称其作品为'クソゲー'——这非常不礼貌)No llames a un juego 'kusogee' delante de sus desarrolladores — es muy grosero.개발자 앞에서 '쿠소게'라고 말하기 (개발자 앞에서 그 게임을 '쿠소게'라고 부르지 말 것 — 매우 실례됨)
Common Mistakes
- Not knowing クソゲー can be used affectionately — some gamers actively seek out and enjoy terrible games
- Using クソゲー for games that are simply not to your taste — it specifically implies the game is objectively poorly made
Origin & History
Compound of クソ (kuso, 'crap/shit') + ゲー (from ゲーム, gēmu, 'game'). Has been used in Japanese gaming culture since at least the Famicom era in the 1980s to describe poorly made games.
Cultural Context
Era: 1980s Famicom era onward
Generation: All gamers
Social background: Gaming community
Regional notes: Used across Japan in gaming contexts. クソゲー appreciation is a recognized subculture with dedicated YouTube channels and streaming content.
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