Manzai
/mɑːnˈzaɪ/noun
A Japanese comedy form featuring a fast-paced exchange between two performers, typically a straight man and a foolish comedian.
Did you know?Manzai descends from the New Year’s 万歳 tradition, in which performers ceremonially wished the ruler or audience ten thousand years of life and prosperity.
Etymological Timeline
Ancient China
Old Chinese
萬歲
“Ten thousand years; a formula expressing wishes for extraordinary longevity”
Nara Period, 8th Century
Japanese
万歳 (manzai)
“A New Year’s ritual performance offering blessings and wishes for long life”
Medieval Japan
Japanese
万歳 (manzai)
“A ceremonial entertainer or troupe performing songs, dance, and auspicious declarations”
Edo Period, 17th–19th Centuries
Japanese
万歳 (manzai)
“A popular festive performance tradition, especially associated with New Year celebrations”
Early 20th Century
Japanese
漫才 (manzai)
“A renamed comic performance form; the new characters emphasized humorous or freewheeling talent”
Modern English
English
manzai
“Japanese stand-up-style two-person comedy built around rapid dialogue, wordplay, and contrasting comic roles”
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