Burikko [ぶりっ子] is a Japanese term used to describe people who act and speak in a infantilized manner, it can be considered a type of style, culture, and behavior that fits within the Kawaii and Lolita cultures. In this Guide, we will talk about everything related to these girls who behave with excessive cuteness.
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Table of Content
What does Burikko mean?
Burikko [ぶりっ子] is an intentional femininity appeal (beauty, cuteness), in which women pretend to be ignorant and spoiled in front of the opposite sex, pretending to be powerless. It can also be translated as false child or pretend child.
We use that word to describe predatory girls who act like pure, innocent, and very feminine (like “I don’t poop, I ride unicorns, and I don’t know what sex is?”) but actually know exactly what they’re doing, to get What you want.
The origin of the word comes from [振りっ子] and [鰤子] where first the suffix buri [振り] indicates a style, manner and path. The noun furi [振り] also conveys the idea of agitation, balance, appearance and behavior. The ideogram [鰤] that makes up some archaic versions refers to the Japanese Amberjack fish.
The suffix buri was used to refer to various words in the Japanese language. Perhaps by examining these expressions you can get an idea of the meaning of the word and its variants. See below:
- Kawaiiko buru [可愛い子ぶる] - Cute child;
- Iikoburu [いい子ぶる] - Good child;
- Nekowokaburu [猫をかぶる] - Dress up like a cat;
In short, the word Burikko literally means to act, to follow a style, a manner, to look and behave like a child [子]. The word refers to pretending to be a thing, that is, a child, with childish and innocent behavior.
There are verbs that resemble the origin of the word such as the verb buri [振る] which means [to assume the air of…] or [to behave like...] or the onomatopoeia buruburu [ぶるぶる] which means trembling, showing an excess.
Another word coined was "Hamachikko" derived from the young fish buri which is called hamachi. The aim was to separate young women who acted like children (burikko) from adult women who acted like children (hamachikko), but the term did not become popular and nowadays only burikko is used.
A person who hides his true nature and shows a different personality to a person.
meaning of burikko
Burikko Behaviors and Characteristics
Burikko encompasses many behaviors that express a forced childishness, from a submissive look to a childlike voice. Gestures, grimaces, inclinations, and MOE behavior are characteristics of Burikko. See below the main behaviors:
Burikko's Main Behaviors
They also often make cute gestures and facial expressions, some of which are strongly exaggerated to show fear or surprise in everyday situations. Even the way burikko sneeze is usually cute.
They act like damsels in distress, and use their sympathy to get the boys' attention. They often puff out their cheeks, tilt their head to the side, or touch their finger to their face while speaking, sometimes lightly covering their face with their hands.
They often puff out their cheeks to make an impression like "Moo! I'm angry!" or "Moo! Don't be mean!" or "I'm sad to say this!
Some of the gestures of the burikko involve a smacking mouth called ahiruguchi [アヒル口] where they pucker their lips a little. Another gesture is called the sparrow face called chungao [チュン顔]. Another cute feature of these girls is their ability to look up using only their eyes.
A traditional and natural flirting technique is touching yourself. Burikko also tend to touch each other often, they also intentionally hold the other person's hand just to say thank you (something rare in Japanese culture). They can also shake boys' shoulders to ask for something.
Some burikko often let their tongues hang out of their mouths, a gesture called tehepero [テヘペロ] similar to Milky's Peko-chan. A very strong gesture that conveys a sense of humor and cuteness.
Uchimata - Walk with feet inward
Uchimata [内股] is the name given to the way some Japanese girls walk, with their toes facing inwards. In the West it may be known as Pigeon Finger and some even treat it as a disease.
In Japan it's the opposite, few girls really walk like that, many do is force this walking style because they find it cute and kawaii. This is believed to be common in Japan because of the way Japanese people often sit with their legs back.
Some Japanese burikko girls are also used to drag racing, doing little races at school in a sweet, eye-catching way that will win any man's heart.
Faking disabilities and forgetfulness
Usually the burikko pretend not to be able to do something so that the boys will do it for them. Something like not being able to open the lid of a sweet, not being able to pick something up from the shelf, burning their finger in the kitchen, not being able to lift something (even if it's light).
Men feel like alpha males when they help these girls with trivial tasks, a great art of seduction known not only to burikko girls. They also often pretend to forget something, forget something at home or how to use a certain tool or machine.
If they pretend not to be able to accomplish something, they expect the boy to do it. In this case another feature comes in, the famous "act of begging". They usually say things like "buy me a souvenir", "I can't do it, do it for me" or simply express the desire to eat something.
Dialogue and Communication of the Burikko
Generally, a girl burikko is always positive, cheerful, and lively, she tends to talk about herself in the third person, saying her own name instead of I. They also tend to use feminine pronouns like atashi (I). Being positive girls, they usually give many compliments.
They also often use the honorific suffixes "chan" or "tan" for both third person and others. Another custom is to stretch words, especially at the end of sentences [ばか~]. They also commonly start their sentences with an "etto" [え〜と] which means eeh...
Many Japanese women, especially famous ones, tend to speak with a very high-pitched, quite childish voice, one of the main characteristics of burikko. Some go overboard and end up making strange sounds and moans that can even remind one of relationships.
This is one of the reasons why some westerners don't like anime, since often the characters have a cute and childish voice, in addition to making those weird moans. Of course, I personally think that the Japanese language contributes to this high pitch of sound.
They also tend to give a lot of compliments, all excessively and in a very loud tone. Things like "Wow!", "Cute!", "Cool!" and "I'm happy!"... Generally, burikko use the soprano voice, the highest-pitched female suit with the greatest vocal range of all voice types.
Burikko Vocabulary
They not only talk like children but also use childlike words. See below some of the childlike words used by the burikko:
| Burikko-go | Japanese | Meaning |
| おちゅかれさま | お疲れ様 | Good job |
| よちよち* | よしよし | right there |
| しゅごいでしゅね〜 | すごいですね | Cool huh? |
| よくできまちた | よくできました | Good job |
| わんわん | 犬 | Puppy |
| ぶーぶー | 車 | Car |
* Yoshi Yoshi - Word that expresses consent and comfort for children.
Another word often used by burikko girls is the expression kawaiii [可愛い〜], which is often overused. They practically think everything is cute!
Other frequent words considered cute are:
- Ukeruu [うける〜] - Receive;
- Mechasugoine [めっちゃすごいね] - Incredible
- Omoshiroii [面白い〜] - Interesting;
- Kakkoii [かっこいい〜] - Cool;
- Wakannai [わかんない〜] - Abbreviation of Wakaranai (I don't know);
- Dekinai [できない〜！] - Cannot;
- Chotto kowaindesukedo [ちょっと怖いんですけど〜] - I'm a little scared;
Burikko-ji - Cute Writing
During the popularization of the kawaii movement, some styles of childish writing emerged called burikko-ji, maru-ji, koneko-ji, and manga-ji that involved stylized, rounded letters with childish characteristics such as hearts, stars, and kittens.
It also refers to girls who draw kaomoji in their texts or simply use lots of cute emoticons in their electronic text messages. Not all girls who use this style of writing can be categorized as a burikko girl.
Style and Appearance of Burikko
What clothes do burikko wear? What hairstyles do they do? Now let's see some styles and appearance of the burikko.
The burikko will usually wear short skirts, even in heavy rain or wind. If they decide to wear pants, they will usually be short, high pants because they avoid hiding their legs. They also like one-piece dresses, always cute outfits with eye-catching features.
Unlike the Harajuku girls, the burikko avoid bright colors, preferring light colors mixed with pastels, pinks and purples. Even so, colors like red and blue can be present in some pieces. White and pink are the most used colors because they express purity and femininity.
Burikko are also fond of flowers, ribbons, lace and ruffles. Some like lace materials and appeal to transparency. Ruffles are present on the sleeves, skirt and even on the handles of the bags.
Burikko fashion cares a lot about details. For example nails, smartphone cases, headphones, wallets, regular holders, business card holders, scarves, bags, scarf cases, socks, etc. Cute objects are usually chosen that differ from the traditional.
Some burikko usually wear long sleeves that cover up to the tip of the finger, called moesode [萌え袖]. Their legs are exposed, creating the famous absolute territory Zettai Ryouiki.
Burikko hairstyles
Generally, burikko girls also have a childlike hairstyle, usually the famous twin tail, which consists of tying the hair at both ears. Currently, it is not a rule, but we can see such cabelos nos animes, Idols, and maids.
Another popular pentado among burikko consists of loose brown hair. Usually a brown, beige, gray-brown, or just some highlights in the hair creates a cute atmosphere according to the burikko girls.
Another popular hairstyle is bangs, some even cover the eyebrows or eyes. It seems like a complicated thing to do, taking hours of dedication every morning. Other girls claim that short hair that looks even masculine has positive results because it becomes men friendly.
Burikko's Abilities
In addition to the characteristics and behaviors mentioned above, being burikko involves having some special skills that also define this culture.
Generally, a Burikko girl is good at acting. She can even shed fake tears if she wants to.
Regardless of her true intentions, she can pretend to be anyone she pleases. They enjoy acting and receiving compliments, which is why many are famous Idols.
Girls who have burikko behavior have a wide vision called horse vision (they have 350 degree vision). They can observe as much as possible around them and can manipulate situations and adapt flirtations.
Another skill is high absorption, the girls need to learn and practice the gestures, often observing the people around them and how they react to these gestures. Generally, new girls burikko need to imitate others, usually famous Idols, which is why the absorption skill is necessary.
Other strengths and skills to excel in burikko are:
- They are hardworking.
- They are outgoing;
- They speak firmly;
- They are attentive;
The Problems of Being Burikko
Many girls want to adhere to this lifestyle or some of its traits just for looking cute. The big problem is that this word ended up gaining a pejorative side of a fake girl interested in conquering men with fake behavior.
This isn't the only problem for girls who want to adhere to this culture; generally, other women hate girls who act with this "burikko" behavior. Their reputation with men is good, but it's never good with girls of the same sex.
Because it's a flirting technique, only acting this way in certain situations can create the impression that you're a fake or self-interested person. Burikko" girls don't always have the same attitude towards everyone.
Generally, "burikko" girls have a hostile attitude towards women who are attractive in appearance and on the inside. They often assume a cold attitude towards these other women who don't need to pretend or make an effort.
The best advice for girls who want to follow aspects of "burikko" culture is simply to be natural with everyone. Many Japanese girls tend to view innocent behavior as a way of life and not as something temporary or false.
If you are attentive to everyone and show your true personality, you can be a "burikko" without any problem.
The Origin of the Term Burikko
The term was coined during the 1980s and is sometimes attributed to Japanese comedian Kuniko Yamada, although its exact moment of invention is unclear. That's because some shounen manga used similar expressions to refer to pretend girls.
Mangaka and illustrator Toshifumi Eguchi around 1978 used expressions such as kawaiikoburuna [かわいこぶるな！] and burikkodana [ぶりっこだな] to refer to a girl who pretended to be cute. Such expressions probably gave rise to the word burikko, which was later questioned by some experts.
As mentioned above, it was a popular word for children and young people due to the origin of male comics, but this word has spread in the form of a replacement for the conventional word “Kamatoto” (described later).
It has established itself as a new word not only for young people, but also for middle-aged and older people. All this with the help of the comedian Kuniko Yamada who popularized the term in 1981. Soon after this term began to appear in magazines and even became the name of a manga magazine for adults specializing in lolicon.
Although the term sounds pejorative, many girls consider it to be friendly teasing. Many girls at the time had a flirtatious streak, which resulted in "burikko" behavior. Nowadays many women adopt this behavior as a lifestyle without taking it to extremes.
Burikko became a kawaii sub-culture among girls between the ages of 12 and 18 in the 80s. Around 50% of girls at the time used something related to the culture, whether it was gestures or writing. Buriko is also a word used to refer to the edible eggs of the hatata fish.
Japanese Burikko Famous
Seiko Matsuda was one of the first Idols to be called Burikko because of her mischievous and unsympathetic behavior. People watched her suspicious gestures and behavior, and she even lied and cried in music programs.
Voice actress Minami Tanaka often dominated the world with her superior eyes and burikko poses. She used to say that her gestures and comments were intentional. Today many girls follow this style to become famous.
Yuko Ogura is another one who has self-proclaimed a nickname and has a nasal voice. Tamao Sato is another teenager famous for her watery eyes and exaggerated, seductive reactions. She became famous for the pose punpun [プンプンポーズ] where she places both fists on her head. We also recommend researching Sayumi Michishige and Momoko Tsugenaga.
Kamatoto - Predecessor of Burikko
The word kamatoto [蒲魚] usually written in katakana has a similar meaning to burikko. According to the dictionary the word kamatoto means feigning innocence, ignorance or naivety.
Again, this is a woman who knows, but pretends not to know and behaves like a sexually naive. The word “Kamatoto” existed long before the popular word “Burikko” and was originally used in the late Edo period for prostitutes who pretended to be innocent.
The origin of the word Kamatoto derives from Kamaboko a type of surumi with the junction of the word toto [とと] a nickname used in Kansai to refer to fish. This nickname came from the word tou [疾う] which means quickly, referring to the time it takes to consume fresh fish.
Another theory is that the term came from girls who pretended to be rich daughters to try to get men's attention.
Reasons that lead Japanese women to Burikko
About 27% of Japanese women have tried to appeal to the childish side when flirting with a man. Have you ever wondered what reasons lead Japanese girls to act like children? Here are some psychological studies that show the possible causes of burikko. Most of the time, it just involves the desire to stand out or be cute.
One of the psychologies of burikko is a lack of confidence in one's own appearance, which leads a girl to cover up her appearance with cute gestures, actions and words. A woman who is satisfied with her facial parts and body often hides her complexes from the opposite sex using "burikko".
Another reason is that the girl doesn't like her own personality, so she usually hides who she really is. An introverted woman who doesn't like herself, plays a different self when flirting, acting like a child to be treated kindly by the people around her, thus generating trust.
Another reason that leads a girl to have this behavior is the desire to be loved by a specific person, who probably likes this type of behavior. Maybe she just wants to win the boy over using her cuteness. Sometimes she also wants to be loved by everyone.
There seems to be a psychology where girls want to appeal to their femininity. In Brazil this happens when girls wear provocative clothes and cleavage, while in Japan the culture leads girls to act in a cute and childish way. Burikko conveys femininity through language, gestures and clothing.
Of course some girls just want to be called cute, that's why they act in such a way. Others are fierce girls, but who change their behavior in order not to hurt other people.
What Do Men Think About Japanese Burikko?
Some Japanese people say they like the burikko style because it's cute. Even if it is calculated, fake or made up, they are somehow attracted to this cuteness. Others say they like it because they get compliments and it makes them feel good.
Burikko women are good listeners and good speakers. They look you straight in the eye and nod, "Yes", and listen to the story with all their might. The simple fact that these Japanese women have the courage to look you in the eye sets them apart from the rest.
Even if the girl isn't flirting or interested, they will usually act friendly with men. Men like it because they consider attitude, something that many Japanese women and not even Japanese men tend to have. They are strained in different ways.
This makes relationships with men without attitude much easier. Some also say they like burikko women because they feel like alpha males, they feel in charge, they feel like they're being useful and helping with something.
Of course, there are some men who find it ridiculous, headless, and over the top, but others claim that such attitudes ignite their love. Others find it difficult to accept because they know the true face. Not to mention the reputation that some propagate.
Videos about Burikko
Finally, let's leave some videos showing their appearance and behavior: