一発屋(いっぱつや)

いっぱつや
noun
one-hit wonder
informalcolloquialentertainmentperson
1. one-hit wonder
A singer, comedian, or other performer who had one big hit and was never as successful again. Used humorously or a little unkindly.
彼(かれ)は一発屋(いっぱつや)で終(お)わった。
He ended up a one-hit wonder.
一発屋(いっぱつや)と呼(よ)ばれたくない。
I don't want to be called a one-hit wonder.
あの芸人(げいにん)は一発屋(いっぱつや)だと思(おも)われていたが、今(いま)も活躍(かつやく)している。
People thought that comedian was a one-hit wonder, but he is still going strong.

From 一発(いっぱつ) (one shot) + 屋(や) (a person who does something). Most often said of pop singers and TV comedians whose one catchphrase or song swept the country for a year.

Common collocations

  • 一発屋(いっぱつや)で終(お)わる: to end up a one-hit wonder
  • 一発屋(いっぱつや)芸人(げいにん): a comedian known for one gag
  • 一発屋(いっぱつや)と呼(よ)ばれる: to be called a one-hit wonder

Register

Casual and slightly mocking; comedians sometimes use it about themselves as a joke.

general
Added 2026.9.29 18:57 · Revised 2026.9.29 19:00
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