Tsukkomi
/tsɯ̥k̚ˈkomʲi/noun
In Japanese comedy, the performer who sharply corrects or reacts to the absurd statements of the boke.
Did you know?The tsukkomi’s corrective interruptions are traditionally paired with the boke’s foolish performance in manzai, creating a ritualized clash between absurdity and social common sense.
Etymological Timeline
Early Japanese
Japanese
tsuku
“To thrust, poke, attach, or strike into something”
Early Japanese
Japanese
komu
“To enter, go into, or put into”
Pre-modern Japanese
Japanese
tsukkomu
“To thrust or push into; figuratively, to interrupt or press into a matter”
Edo Period
Japanese
tsukkomi
“An interjection, retort, or pointed interruption”
20th Century
Japanese
tsukkomi
“The straight-man role in manzai comedy, opposing the foolish boke”
Modern English
English
tsukkomi
“A Japanese comedy performer or style of sharp corrective reaction”