In this article, we will see what anime, manga and images of the "Gyagu" (ギャグ) type are, a term usually translated as "Clown" or "Visual Joke".
In Japanese culture, the importance of images and context is perceptible for a situation to make sense. In Japanese comedy, the role of images is fundamental to convey the real grace of situations.
When we see characters laughing extravagantly, making faces, wearing strange clothes or going through unexpected situations, we are usually faced with a “gyagu” (visual joke), which in many cases defines the Japanese humor within anime and manga.
Table of Content
Origin of the term
Gyagu (ギャグ) is a word originated from the English "Gag", which in free translation means "Joke, Gag".
In the context of Japanese pop culture, or even in television commercials (which are very hilarious by the way), Gyagu often represents humor conveyed visually, which can be either a static image or a longer gif or video.
Images are often accompanied by words related to the situation, onomatopeias and trocadilhos that serve to reinforce what is conveyed.
"Gyagu" style anime and manga
There are countless anime and mangas that have this visual style funny. This type of content tends to be very popular among children, teenagers, and adults looking to relax and have a good laugh. Among the various series that follow this model, we can mention: Tottemo! Luckyman, Hanasaka Tenshi Ten-Ten-kun, Gintama, Pop Team Epic, Osomatsu-San, Tensai Bakabon, Nichijou, among others.
To introduce yourself to this universe, we recommend that you start by watching Tottemo! Luckyman, an extremely funny old anime that perfectly represents the gyagu style.
Below you can watch the opening:
Dictionary "Gyagu"
Interestingly, there is even a dictionary with the most common expressions related to this phenomenon. You can check it out by clicking this link.
Vocabulary
- 冗談 (じょうだん, joudan) = Joke.
- 洒落 (しゃれ, share) = Play on words.
- ジョーク (jooku) = Joking.
- ギャグ (gyagu) = Visual joke, Clown.
- ギャグる (gyaguru) = Playing, Making fun.
- 笑えるアニメ (waraeru anime) = Comedy anime.
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