Learn more about this word
自虐
Jigyaku is making yourself the target. Jigyaku neta, self-deprecating material, is one of the safest ways to get a laugh in Japan, since humility is valued and joking at others carries risk. Overdone, it makes listeners uncomfortable and obliges them to reassure you.
Examples in context
自虐ネタで場を和ませるのが彼の得意技だ。
His specialty is easing the mood with self-deprecating material.
自虐が過ぎると、周りが困ってしまう。
Too much self-deprecation puts everyone around you in a bind.
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