黒歴史 (kuro rekishi): What’s “Black History” in Japanese Slang

Pronunciation

Definition

黒歴史 (くろ れきし, kuro rekishi) is a Japanese slang word that literally means “black history”, and figuratively describes one’s embarrassing memories in the past. Obviously, everyone is desperate to forget such painful memories, but unfortunately, there is always this jerk who persistently makes fun of your “black history” and help the memories remain vividly in your heart for good. This slang word is mainly used on the internet, but some young people also use it in real life.

Word Origin

The term 黒歴史 is said to originate from the Japanese popular anime ‘Turn A Gundam’. In this Anime, there is an era called ‘Universal Century’, which is also dubbed as ‘黒歴史’ (‘black history’) to emphasise the dark side of the period, which has witnessed a great number of “space wars”.

Word Structure

黒歴史 consists of two words “黒くろ” meaning “black” and “歴史れきし” meaning “history”. Therefore, its literal meaning is “black history” and indicates the dark side of your history you want to forget.

Example Sentences

Ex1

中学生ちゅうがくせいの時とき、自分じぶんのクソみたいなラップ動画どうがをYouTubeにアップしていたのは完全かんぜんなる黒歴史だ

It is completely my “black history” that I uploaded my sh*tty rap videos on YouTube when I was a junior-high-school student.

Ex2
うざい奴: お前まえ、高校生こうこうせいのとき、１日にちで同おなじクラスの女子じょし１０人にんデートに誘さそって全員ぜんいんに断ことわられたらしいな（笑わら）
あなた: やめろ、黒歴史を思おもいださせるな

Jerk: Hey dude, back in high school you asked out ten girl classmates in one day and got rejected by all of them, right? lol
You:  Hey stop it, don’t remind me of my “black history”.

Ex3
高校生こうこうせいの時とき、当時とうじ好すきだった人ひとへの思おもいをブログで綴つづったのは黒歴史だ。

It is my “black history” that I wrote the blog posts about how crazy I was about this girl when I was in high school.

See also

高校デビュー (koukou debyū): Meaning People who “Debut” at High School

Synonyms and Related Expressions

Synonyms: トラウマ (trauma),  過去かこの汚点おてん (past faults)
Synonyms in English: dark history, trauma, mental scars
Related words and phrases: 黒くろ (black), 歴史れきし (history)