the world; society; people; the public
Honorific term for 'the world' or 'society', often used sarcastically to refer to public opinion or what others might think. Carries a tone of deference mixed with irony.
See also: 世間
The world is harsh, so mistakes are not forgiven.
I've done something I can't face the public for.
Standard kanji spelling with honorific 様.
Kana spelling of the honorific suffix; less common but sometimes used for a softer or more sarcastic tone.
Compound of 世間 (seken, 'world, society') and the honorific suffix 様 (sama). The exact origin of the sarcastic usage is uncertain, but it likely developed from the exaggerated politeness of referring to society as if it were a person of high status.