Table of Contents
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” meaning “black” and “歴史” meaning “history”. Therefore, its literal meaning is “black history” and indicates the dark side of your history you want to forget.
Example Sentences
Ex1
中学生の時、自分のクソみたいなラップ動画をYouTubeにアップしていたのは完全なる黒歴史だ
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、高校生のとき、1日で同じクラスの女子10人デートに誘って全員に断られたらしいな(笑)
あなた: やめろ、黒歴史を思いださせるな
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
高校生の時、当時好きだった人への思いをブログで綴ったのは黒歴史だ。
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), 過去の汚点 (past faults)
Synonyms in English: dark history, trauma, mental scars
Related words and phrases: 黒 (black), 歴史 (history)
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