捨て台詞

• Reading: すてぜりふ
• Romaji: sutezerifu
• Kanji breakdown: 捨 (sute) — to discard, to throw | 台 (dai) — platform | 詞 (shi/ji) — words, speech
• Pronunciation: /sɯ.te.ze.ɾi.ɸɯ/

Meaning

Parting shot; a cutting remark delivered as one leaves; a sharp retort flung before walking away.

A noun combining 捨て (to throw away, to discard) and 台詞 (spoken line, words). Describes a pointed, aggressive, or wounding remark made as a departing blow — after which the speaker exits before the other party can respond. Carries a decidedly negative connotation of petty antagonism or sour grapes. Sometimes used more lightly for a witty exit line.

Examples

1. 彼は会議室を出る際に捨て台詞を吐き、その場の雰囲気を凍りつかせた。 He hurled a parting shot as he walked out of the conference room, leaving everyone in stunned silence.
2. 捨て台詞を言い残して立ち去るのは、議論に負けた側の常套手段だ。 Firing off a parting shot before storming out is the go-to move for the losing side of an argument.
3. 心に刺さる捨て台詞を受けてから、彼女はしばらく立ち直れなかった。 After being hit with a cutting parting remark, she couldn't get back on her feet for a while.

Usage Guide

Context: conflict, drama, workplace disputes, interpersonal

Tone: negative, aggressive

Origin & History

Compound of 捨て (from 捨てる, 'to discard, to throw away') and 台詞 (scripted line, words). The image is of words flung away as one departs — discarded into the air with intent to wound, requiring no reply.

Cultural Context

Era: Edo–Modern

Generation: All ages

Social background: General