noun
A word avoided in certain situations, such as at weddings or during exams, due to superstitious or social taboos.
結婚式では「切る」や「別れる」などの忌み言葉を避ける。
At weddings, taboo words like 'cut' and 'separate' are avoided.
noun
A word used as a substitute for a taboo word, often in ceremonial or superstitious contexts.
「お開き」は「終わり」の忌み言葉として使われる。
'Ohiraki' is used as a euphemism for the taboo word 'owari' (end).
Rare kanji form; combines the abbreviated kanji with 詞.
Variant spelling without the okurigana み.
Compound of 忌み (imi, 'avoidance, taboo') + 言葉 (kotoba, 'word'). The exact historical origin is uncertain, but the term is deeply rooted in Japanese word-taboo traditions.