ばばあ (babaa) / じじい (jijii)
What does ばばあ (babaa) / じじい (jijii) mean? ばばあ (babaa) / じじい (jijii) is a Japanese severe that translates to “old hag / old fart / geezer” in English.
Literal Translation
old hag / old geezer
Meaning & Usage
"old hag / old fart / geezer"
Derogatory terms for elderly women (babaa) and men (jijii).
Examples in the Wild
あのばばあ、また文句ばかり (Ano babaa, mata monku bakari - That old hag is complaining again)
When to Use It
Context
- Expressing strong frustration or emphasis
- Only among very close friends who share this register
- Direct confrontation (use with caution)
Avoid
- Professional or formal settings
- Around elders or authority figures
- Public spaces — will cause genuine offense
- Job interviews, meetings, or customer-facing situations
Cultural Context
EXTREMELY offensive in Japan's elder-respect culture. Using these constitutes a major moral violation. 'Kusobabaa' (shitty old hag) and 'kusojijii' (shitty old fart) are even worse. Spirited Away's Yubaba character derives from this term.
More in Japanese 🇯🇵
View all →まんこ (manko)
“cunt / pussy”
Crude slang for female genitalia.
スケベ (sukebe)
“lech / pervert / horny bastard”
Person with excessive sexual interest, lecherous person.
クズ (kuzu)
“trash / scum / piece of shit”
Denotes moral worthlessness. 'Kuzu otoko' (scum man) describes cheating, lying men.
嘘つき (usotsuki)
“liar”
Person who tells lies.
黙れ (damare)
“shut up / shut the fuck up”
Imperative form of 'damaru' (to be silent). Direct command to stop talking.
野郎 (yarou)
“bastard / jerk / guy (derogatory)”
Originally meant 'fellow' or 'guy,' now derogatory masculine suffix.
馬鹿 (baka)
“idiot / stupid / fool”
The most famous Japanese insult. Derived from Chinese legend where calling a deer a horse tested loyalty; those who spoke truth were 'fools.'
ハゲ (hage)
“baldy”
Insults male pattern baldness.