Takashi's Japanese Dictionary

A blog for learning Japanese that introduces Japanese slang words and Idioms!

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滑る

Yomi

すべる

Rōmaji

suberu

Type

slang

Literal Meaning

slip

Meaning

(one’s joke) fall flat and introduce a tumbleweed moment

Antonym

ウケる

Additional Info

There is a popular Japanese TV show called すべらない話 (“a story that does not slip”), where each participant (usually a comedian) talks about funny stories they have experienced.

Example

冗談を言って完全にすべった
I told a joke and it completely fell flat

Related Post

Interesting Japanese Words With Multiple Meanings

Alternative Meanings:
  • 滑る

    Yomi

    すべる

    Rōmaji

    suberu

    Type

    slang

    Literal Meaning

    to slip

    Meaning

    to try saying something funny but make nobody laugh

    Antonym

    ウケる

    Additional Info

    There is a popular Japanese TV show titled "人志松本のすべらない話" meaning "Hitoshi Matsumoto's talks that don't slip", where several comedians, including Hitoshi Matsumoto, share funny stories that happened to them (likely with a bit of exaggeration). In fact, it is said that this word was spread and made famous by Hitoshi Matsumoto.

    Example

    ダジャレを言ったら、滑って気まずくなった I said a Japanese pun (dajare) but nobody laughed and I felt awkward.

    Related Post

    https://takashionary.com/japanese-words-with-surprising-meanings/