流行語

• Reading: りゅうこうご
• Romaji: ryukogo
• Kanji breakdown: 流 (ryu/nagare) — flow, current; 行 (ko/iku) — go, trend; 語 (go/kataru) — word, language
• Pronunciation: /ɾʲɯː.koː.ɡo/

Meaning

A buzzword, catchphrase, or trendy expression that achieves widespread use during a particular period. A word that captures the cultural mood of its time.

A Sino-Japanese compound noun. Japan holds an annual 流行語大賞 (Ryukogo Taisho, Word of the Year award), selecting terms that most defined the year culturally, politically, or socially. 流行語 can be neologisms, borrowed terms, or repurposed existing words that suddenly achieve widespread usage. By definition they are ephemeral — this year's 流行語 may be forgotten next year. Studying them offers a linguistic window into contemporary Japanese society, media culture, and social trends.

Examples

1. 毎年十二月に発表される流行語大賞は、その年を振り返る指標の一つだ。 The Word of the Year award announced every December is one measure for looking back on the year.
2. 若者が使う流行語についていけなくなったと、父がぼやいていた。 My father was grumbling that he can no longer keep up with the buzzwords young people use.
3. 時代の流行語を追うことで、社会の変化を言語的に捉えることができる。 By tracking the buzzwords of each era, one can capture social change through language.

Usage Guide

Context: media, linguistics, pop culture, social commentary, education

Tone: descriptive, contemporary

Origin & History

Sino-Japanese compound: 流行 (ryuko) means fashion, trend, or prevalence; 語 (go) means word or language. Together they describe a word or expression that prevails or circulates widely at a given point in time.

Cultural Context

Era: Modern

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal