Cultural Discussion - Twixters

Note: This entry was updated on April 26, 2007 to add more Japanese into the list of terms.

Cultural Discussion - Twixters

Explain what each of the following words mean in Japanese culture:

• freeter (フリーター)
• parasite single (パラサイトシングル)
• “loser dogs” (まけいぬ, 負け犬)
• obatarian (オバタリアン)
• D.I.N.K.
• “Christmas cake” (クリスマスのケーキ)
• hikkomori (ひきこもり)

Are there any other age- or lifestyle-related terms for people in Japan?

Why do you think we create these kinds of words?

In your opinion, do they have a positive or negative feeling?

Would you mind being called one of these words?

Do you know anyone who can be described by any of these words?

Would he or she be insulted to be called by one of these names?

Terms:

In America, there are a variety of terms that describe these types of people:

1. twixters: This word comes from “betwixt” (which is an old-fashioned way of saying “between”). Adults who live with their parents are “betwixt” adulthood and childhood.
2. adultescents: This word is a combination of “adult” and “adolescent”. It implies that someone is part adult and partially still an adolescent. (See the FYI section for an explanation of "adolescent".)
3. NEET: This word stands for “not engaged in education, employment, or training”.

What about you?

Many people feel that people choosing this type of lifestyle are only common in the current social and economic situation where jobs aren't as well-paying as they were in the past and good jobs are more difficult to find.

• Do you believe this is true only of the present or do you think there were these kinds of people in the recent or distant past?
• Would your opinion of someone who lives with his or her parents be different if you knew that person didn’t make enough money to live alone? Why? Why not?
• Would your opinion of someone who lives with his or her parents be different if that person were married and/or had children? Why? Why not?
• Why do you think some people live with their parents even though they have enough money to live alone?
  

A Psychological Theory:

Many people in western countries who study society, psychology or culture speculate about why there are more and more young people living as adolescents with their parents. They believe adults who can afford to live on their own but choose to live with their parents are experimenting with their lifestyle. They are taking a long time to choose a job, life partner, etc. because they want to be sure they have made the best choice before they move out and live on their own.

Do you agree with this theory?

Do you think there are other explanations? Give any other explanations you can think of:
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FYI:

“Adolescent” means someone who is not quite a child and not quite an adult. Usually, this word is used to talk about those who are in the process of becoming adults both physically and emotionally.

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