also: ただことうた
noun
plain-style waka; waka without rhetorical ornament
A term from classical Japanese poetics, referring to a waka poem composed in a straightforward, unadorned manner, as opposed to using figurative language or allusion. One of the six principles (六義) of waka.
See also: 六義
六義の一つとして、ただごと歌は修辞を凝らさずに詠む歌とされる。
As one of the six principles, a 'tadagoto-uta' is considered a poem composed without elaborate rhetoric.
Mixed kana-kanji spelling; the most transparent form for learners.
Kanji spelling using 徒言 (idle words); also read ただことうた.
Alternate reading of 徒言歌; restricted to this form.
Alternate kanji spelling using 直言 (plain speech); less common.
The six principles of waka; ただごと歌 is one of them, specifically the plain or direct style.
From ただごと (plain words, ordinary speech) + 歌 (song, poem). The term originates in classical Japanese poetics.