Gyaru

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Japanese subcultures

Gyaru (ギャル) is a Japanese transliteration of the English word gal. The name originated from a 1970s brand of jeans called "gals" advertised with the slogan 'I can't live without men', and was applied to fashion and peer-conscious, college-age girls in their teens and early twenties. Its usage peaked in 1980s but has gradually declined. The term gradually drifted to younger age as it gained "childish" images for their seemingly little interest in job or marriage. It is now used almost interchangeably with kogyaru and younger generation may consider it "clichéd" or even "archaic".

[edit] Varieties of gyaru

There are various subcategories of "gals" depending on the particular choice of fashion, and also gyaruo or male "gals" who share the similar tastes as gals.

ganguro gyaru (ガングロギャル) - a gal with an artificially applied deep tan and bleached hair.
kogyaru - generally a high school student (高校生 kōkōsei) gal.
oyajigyaru (オヤジギャル)- from oyaji and gyaru. A gyaru who behaves in a masculine way, drinking beer and using rough language.
onegyaru (オネギャル)- a gyaru who has graduated from high school, and thus become a more mature onēsan (literally "elder sister" but in this case "young lady") gyaru
ogyaru (汚ギャル) - a dirty or disheveled gyaru who may forsake daily baths or takes little care in how they behave or what they dress even by gyaru standards.
gyaruo (ギャルオ) - gyaru's male counterpart. see gyaru-oh
Manba (マンバ) - Deep tan and contrasting white make-up. Many wear Alba Rosa, and Kigurumi.
Bibinba (ビビンバ) - A Bling Bling spin off of Manba.
Banba (バンバ)- a techno rave spin off of Manba.