1.
self-deprecation, self-mockery, masochism
Making fun of oneself or putting oneself down, often for humorous effect. Can also refer to a broader tendency toward self-punishment or self-criticism.
自虐ネタで笑いを取る。
To get laughs with self-deprecating humor.
彼の自虐的な発言が面白い。
His self-deprecating remarks are funny.
自虐もほどほどにしないと、本当に自信がなくなるよ。
If you don't keep the self-deprecation in check, you'll actually lose confidence.
A compound of 自 (self) and 虐 (abuse/torment). In modern usage, most commonly refers to self-deprecating humor rather than literal self-harm.
COMMON COLLOCATIONS:
- 自虐ネタ: self-deprecating joke/material
- 自虐的: self-deprecating, self-mocking
- 自虐風: self-deprecating style
- 自虐史観: masochistic view of history (political term)
USAGE:
In modern colloquial Japanese, 自虐 most often refers to self-deprecating humor. 自虐ネタ is extremely common in Japanese comedy — comedians and everyday people alike use it to get laughs by making fun of their own appearance, habits, or circumstances.
CONTRAST:
- 自虐: self-deprecation (often humorous)
- 自慢: boasting, bragging (opposite tendency)
- 謙遜: modesty, humility (polite rather than humorous)