Overview
| Summary | “Daffunda!” is a nonsensical yet hilarious catchphrase made famous by the late Japanese comedy legend Ken Shimura. Known for his slapstick style and silly facial expressions, Shimura would often shout “Daffunda!” during skits to deliver an unexpected punchline or as a final comedic flourish. The phrase itself has no actual meaning — it’s purely gibberish, which adds to its silly and universal charm. |
| Japanese Writing | だっふんだ！ |
| Genre | Slapstick Comedy / Variety Show Catchphrase |
| Typical Age Group | 30-70 |
| Audience | Fans of Japanese variety shows, slapstick humor enthusiasts, and anyone who enjoys light-hearted, goofy comedy. |
| Popularity | ★★★★☆ |
| Relevance | ★★★☆☆ Even after Shimura’s passing in 2020, “Daffunda!” remains beloved in Japan as a nostalgic reminder of his comedic genius. Many Japanese people still mimic or reference it when joking around with friends or performing silly impressions. |
| Usability | ★★★☆☆ |
| When to Use | Whenever you want to add a burst of silliness or surprise to a moment. It works well when you want to break the tension, make people laugh, or simply act goofy without saying anything meaningful. |
| How to Use | Take a deep breath, puff up your cheeks, put on your goofiest face, and shout: “Daffunda!” If possible, accompany it with an exaggerated gesture, like flailing your arms or jumping slightly forward. |
| Cultural Note | Ken Shimura was a legendary figure in Japanese comedy, especially known for his work on Hachiji Dayo! Zen’in Shugo! and Ken Shimura’s Foolish Lord (Baka Tono-sama) sketches. “Daffunda!” is part of his rich comedic legacy and embodies his playful, childlike spirit that appealed to audiences of all ages. |
Original performance
You can hear a similar phrase at about 00:01 in this YouTube video.