1.
being a killjoy, no fun, poor at going along with the mood
Describes someone who doesn't join in the fun, doesn't respond to the group energy, or brings down the mood. The opposite of ノリがいい.
ノリが悪いなあ、一緒に踊ろうよ。
Don't be such a killjoy, come dance with us.
彼はノリが悪いから、カラオケに誘っても断る。
He's no fun, so even if you invite him to karaoke, he'll turn it down.
ノリが悪いと思われたくなくて、無理に笑った。
I forced a laugh because I didn't want to be seen as a killjoy.
CULTURAL NOTE:
In Japanese group culture, ノリ (energy, vibe, enthusiasm) is important. Being ノリが悪い can be seen as antisocial, while being ノリがいい is a compliment meaning someone is fun and goes with the flow.
However, the pressure to be ノリがいい can be stressful, especially in workplace drinking parties (飲み会) where people feel obligated to participate enthusiastically.
RELATED:
- ノリがいい: fun-loving, going with the flow (positive)
- ノリが悪い: being a killjoy, unresponsive (negative)
- ノリで: on impulse, in the heat of the moment