Playing with meaning: Pragmatic functions and semantic ambivalence of gobi in Japanese youth slang

The article examines the semantic ambivalence and pragmatic functions of the gobi postfix varieties in Japanese youth slang. Based on an analysis of informal online conversations, and spoken interactions in real-life situations, the study shows that the meaning of gobi is highly context-dependent, with positive or negative connotations shifting based on the speaker’s intent, situational factors, and shared background knowledge. This flexibility allows gobi to play a dynamic role in shaping meaning, making them essential tools for pragmatic adaptability in youth communication. From the perspective of politeness theory, gobi serve dual roles. They contribute to positive politeness by fostering in-group identity and reducing social distance, while also acting as negative politeness mitigators. Ambiguous or emotionally exaggerated gobi soften potentially face-threatening acts, allowing speakers to manage delicate interactions more tactfully. This reflects the broader cultural norm of avoiding directness in Japanese communication to maintain social harmony. The dependence of gobi on context also leads to violations of Grice’s Cooperative Principle, particularly the maxims of quantity and clarity. Rather than being accidental, these violations are strategic, supporting communicative subtlety and politeness. Additionally, gobi serve as markers of expressive speech acts, conveying emotional involvement and strengthening the speaker’s connection with the audience. These functions align with both positive politeness strategies and expressive communication styles.