世迷言よまいごと

Kanji

• 世generation, world, society
• 迷astray, be perplexed, in doubt
• 言say, word
• 事matter, thing, fact

Similar words

• 愚ぐ痴ち

  愚痴 is a more common word for grumbling or complaining, while 世迷言 has a stronger nuance of rambling or nonsensical talk.

• たわごと

  たわごと means 'nonsense' or 'rubbish' and is more direct, whereas 世迷言 implies a discontented, muttering quality.

Etymology

Compound of 世 (yo, 'world') + 迷い (mayoi, 'delusion, straying') + 言 (koto, 'word, speech'). The exact historical derivation is uncertain, but the word conveys the idea of 'world-deluded talk'.