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nawashi

nawashi
 n.— «The unfortunate side effect is the influx of what I call “the kimono boys.” They’re American white guys who call themselves “authentic Japanese rope masters.”…These rope masters say they have studied “the traditional Japanese way of the rope”—although most of them have never actually visited Japan. But their conversation is strewn with Japanese words, and they often give themselves the title “Nawashi,” which they say means “rope bondage artist.” And, yeah, they often show up at fetish events wearing kimonos.» —“Control Tower & Kink Calendar: Nawashi Syndrome” by Mistress Matisse The Stranger (Seattle, Wash.) Feb. 9, 2005. (source: Double-Tongued Dictionary)

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Wasei-Eigo, Japan-Made English

Leo, a scientIst in Tucson, Arizona, used to live in Japan, where he often heard Japanese speakers using English that wasn’t quite correct. For example, one Japanese friend described someone “full of worry” as scareful. Another...

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