Japanese · 3 phrases

Words You'll Hear But Must Never Say

The nuclear tier — listed so you understand them, never so you use them. A tiny set of truly taboo words: the most obscene anatomical term, and the old discriminatory slurs that are literally banned from Japanese broadcast. You may meet these in old films or ugly moments; recognize them and let them pass.

気違い kichigai kee-chee-GUY Lunatic / madman (broadcast-banned ableist slur) まんこ manko MAHN-ko The c-word (anatomical) めくら mekura meh-KOO-rah Old slurs for disabled people (blind / deaf)