A word avoided in certain situations, such as at weddings or during exams, due to superstitious or social taboos.
At weddings, taboo words like 'cut' and 'separate' are avoided.
A word used as a substitute for a taboo word, often in ceremonial or superstitious contexts.
'Ohiraki' is used as a euphemism for the taboo word 'owari' (end).
Refers to taboo numbers (e.g., 4 and 9), while 忌み言葉 refers to taboo words.
A broader loanword for any taboo, not limited to words.
Standard kanji spelling.
Rare kanji form using 詞 instead of 葉.
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.