Gōkon
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
In Japan, a gōkon (合コン?) is a group blind date, typically used to overcome shyness and form at least some friendships between two groups that are each of a single sex.
In other cultures, group dating is becoming more popular as a safe alternative to single dating (especially blind dating), also helping to ease tension, since both parties will feel more comfortable having the company of their friends.[1]
[edit] Overview
Typically groups of men and women will sit opposite each other and hold whispered discussions with their peers about which potential partners they find attractive. Later they will mingle.
Kon comes from konpa a party formed within a single group (for example people within a certain university class). Gō means combination. The gōkon may thus be a combined party; for example, a preexisting group within a girls' university may meet up with a preexisting male group from a mixed university.
Recently writing a text message on a mobile phones and showing it to others has become popular as an alternative to whispering.
[edit] References
- ^ "Invite the gang for a night of online dating", USA Today, Retrieved on March 9, 2006.
- A JFL school's explanation of gōkon. Checked on 18 February, 2007.
- "Middle-aged gals hooked on swinging matchmaking parties", Mainichi Shimbun, September 12, 2001. Retrieved on 2007-06-28. (English)
- Takano Yuko. "An Introduction to the Somewhat Strange Dating Practices of the Japanese People". Checked on 22 March, 2007.
- "Invite the gang for a night of online dating", USA Today, Retrieved on March 9, 2006.
