An offensive slur for Japanese people; also as a verb, to move quickly or jerkily (non-offensive usage, archaic).
The slur is a shortened form of 'Japanese,' emerging in late 19th century as an ethnic slur that became widespread during World War II propaganda. The verb form is from different origins, possibly onomatopoetic.
This word shows how wartime dehumanization works—the slur version emerged specifically when Japan and Western powers were in conflict, a reminder that language becomes a weapon during war to make atrocities psychologically easier.
Dehumanizing slur for Japanese people, weaponized during WWII in propaganda targeting both civilians and soldiers. The slur erased individual identity across genders in service of wartime rhetoric.
Use 'Japanese person' or 'Japanese people.' Never use slurs, even in historical quotation without explicit context and condemnation.
["Japanese person","Japanese people"]
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