also: ではのかみ
director of Dewa province
Historical title for the governor of Dewa Province in pre-modern Japan. Used only in historical contexts.
See also: 守
In the Edo period, the director of Dewa province was one of the important posts.
person who constantly compares Japan to other countries when complaining
Jocular slang derived from a pun on では (as in 海外では…, アメリカでは…). Used to mock someone who habitually begins complaints with 'In [other country]...'.
He's a classic 出羽守, always saying 'In America...'.
When I see a 出羽守 online, I can't help but laugh.
The historical sense derives from the title of the governor of Dewa Province. The slang sense is a modern pun: 出羽守 (でわのかみ) sounds like ではの神 (ではのかみ), playing on the phrase pattern '〜では…' used when comparing Japan to other countries.