25.5.13

Aīn! or Aiin! (アイーン!)

Aīn (アイーン?) (pronounced ah-EEN or AIEEN) is a Japanese pop culture word originated by comedian Ken Shimura for his Bakatono character (a fool/clown in white makeup and Japanese garb).

Usually, it's said while making a slicing motion under the chin and grimacing.

The word was further popularized by the popular all-girl quartet Minimoni (ミニモニ。), who features the character in two of their promotional videos ("Aiin! Dance no Uta" and "Aiin Taisō").

What the word means has been a matter of debate. One source suggests it means, "Enough!", and the slicing gesture makes this a reasonable if not completely credible definition. Most seem to feel that Aīn is a nonsense word, used primarily for comic effect.

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