kogyaru; kogal
1990s Japanese subculture term for a teenage schoolgirl with a distinctive fashion style: miniskirts, loose socks, brown dyed hair, and dark tan. Now largely historical, but still recognized as a cultural reference.
See also: ギャル
90年代、渋谷にはコギャルがたくさんいた。
In the 90s, there were many kogyaru in Shibuya.
Kogyaru fashion was a huge trend among high school girls at the time.
Katakana spelling is standard for this slang term; usually written in kana.
Kanji-kana mixed form; less common than the katakana spelling.
Hiragana-katakana mixed form; rarely used in practice.
The formation is disputed; leading explanations analyze it as 子, “young person,” plus ギャル, or as a shortening of 高校生ギャル, “high-school gal.”