Quick Definition
The Literal Meaning vs. Cultural Nuance
The term is a portmanteau: ‘Bakku’ comes from the English word ‘back,’ and ‘shan’ is an abbreviation of the German word ‘schön’ (beautiful). It originated in the post-war Showa era and reflects a specific, slightly cynical, yet observational aspect of Japanese street culture. While it can be used as a lighthearted observation, it is important to note that it is inherently objectifying and focuses on the discrepancy between initial perception and reality. This cultural tendency to categorize and label external appearances is often contrasted with the internal, more complex dynamics of Honne, the true feelings one keeps hidden.
Real-life Examples
In casual conversation, you might hear this used in a social setting among friends. For instance, a friend might say: ‘Ano ko wa bakku-shan da ne’ (That girl is a bakku-shan, isn’t she?). It is rarely used in polite or professional settings, as it is considered a derogatory or crude way to comment on someone’s appearance.
Yu’s Perspective: The Cultural Heart
As someone who has lived through the evolution of Japanese slang, I find ‘Bakku-shan’ to be a relic of a time when public appearances were scrutinized with a different kind of intensity. It highlights a human tendency to build expectations based on limited information. In Japan, we often value the ‘total package’—the harmony of the whole person. When we discuss such surface-level observations, it serves as a reminder of how we navigate social spaces. Much like the societal pressure to maintain a Tatemae or a ‘public face,’ words like ‘Bakku-shan’ remind us that what we see at first glance is rarely the full story of an individual.
