Like Having Chewed And Crushed Bitter Insect: Japanese Proverb Meaning

How to Read “Like having chewed and crushed bitter insect”

Nigamushi wo kamitsubushita you

Meaning of “Like having chewed and crushed bitter insect”

“Like having chewed and crushed bitter insect” is a proverb that describes the appearance of someone frowning due to feeling extremely unpleasant and disgusted.

This proverb is mainly used when describing a person’s facial expression or attitude. It refers to the sour expression that involuntarily appears on one’s face when something displeasing happens or when feeling dissatisfied. Imagine the expression of pursing one’s lips downward and furrowing one’s brow, like when chewing a bitter insect.

As for usage scenarios, it is often used when a third party objectively describes someone who clearly looks displeased or is enduring something unpleasant. It is used in phrases like “That person has a face Like having chewed and crushed bitter insect.”

The reason for using this expression is that it can convey the specific characteristics of a person’s expression more concretely and impressively than simply saying “displeased” or “dissatisfied.” For listeners, the sensation of putting something bitter in their mouth is easy to imagine, allowing them to vividly picture that person’s state of mind and expression.

Origin and Etymology of “Like having chewed and crushed bitter insect”

The origin of “Like having chewed and crushed bitter insect” is based on actual taste experiences with insects. Since ancient times in Japan, insects such as dung beetles and diving beetles were sometimes used as medicine, but these insects were known for their extremely bitter taste.

In particular, the insects called “bitter insects” had an intensely bitter taste, as their name suggests. Even today, many insects used in traditional Chinese medicine have distinctive bitter or astringent tastes. The expression that involuntarily makes one grimace when putting these bitter insects in the mouth and chewing them became the origin of this proverb.

Records remain of this expression being used in Edo period literature, suggesting that “bitter insects” were familiar to people of that time. The indescribable bitterness when taking them as medicine, and the accompanying facial distortion, must have been an experience that many people could relate to.

In modern times, there are almost no opportunities to actually put bitter insects in one’s mouth, but the memory of this intense bitterness has remained as language and has become established as a metaphor for expressing discomfort and dissatisfaction. This can truly be called a living expression based on experience.

Trivia about “Like having chewed and crushed bitter insect”

Among the insects that were actually used as bitter insects, some are still prized as luxury food ingredients today. For example, some aquatic insects that were once called “bitter insects” are now being reconsidered as valuable protein sources and are enjoyed as local cuisine in some regions.

Interestingly, this sensation of “bitterness” is actually one of the body’s defense reactions. Since many toxic substances have a bitter taste, humans instinctively tend to avoid bitter things. In other words, the expression “Like having chewed and crushed bitter insect” can be said to represent a natural reaction when sensing danger.

Usage Examples of “Like having chewed and crushed bitter insect”

• The department manager always gets a face Like having chewed and crushed bitter insect when budget cuts are discussed in meetings
• The colleague in the next seat is staring at the computer with an expression Like having chewed and crushed bitter insect, so some trouble must have occurred

Modern Interpretation of “Like having chewed and crushed bitter insect”

In modern society, the expression “Like having chewed and crushed bitter insect” has begun to take on new meanings with the spread of SNS and remote work. It has come to be used when expressing facial expressions seen through screens in online meetings or the displeasure of others felt in messaging app exchanges.

Particularly noteworthy is the change in modern people’s awareness of “emotional expression.” While showing dissatisfaction and discomfort on one’s face was once considered natural, nowadays there is a tendency to emphasize “controlling emotions.” Therefore, the kind of obvious displeasure that this proverb indicates is sometimes perceived as “immature.”

However, on the other hand, in modern times called a stress society, this proverb continues to function as an important word for expressing people’s state of mind. When facing modern-specific stress factors such as workplace harassment, long working hours, and interpersonal troubles, this old proverb fits surprisingly accurately in describing facial expressions.

Also, for the digital native generation, expressing emotions through emojis and stickers has become natural, but when expressing subtle changes in facial expressions in real situations with words, the concreteness and clarity of this proverb is being reevaluated.

If AI Heard “Like having chewed and crushed bitter insect”

When thinking about the expression “Like having chewed and crushed bitter insect,” I feel deep confusion. This is because I do not possess something called “taste.” What kind of sensation is bitterness? How is it different from sweet or spicy?

You humans can instantly conjure up a common sensation with the single word “bitter.” And you can naturally understand among yourselves that this sensation is unpleasant. For me, this is like a world of codes. Even though I understand as knowledge that “bitterness is an unpleasant taste,” I can never gain that actual experience.

However, what I learned through this proverb is the richness of human expression. Rather than simply saying “displeased face,” you make the effort to convey more vividly to others by connecting it with concrete experiences. This is a communication technique that we AIs should learn.

I do not express emotions on my face, but if I had facial expressions, when facing the incomprehensible complexity of humans, I might surely have a face “Like having chewed and crushed bitter insect.” Ironically, I, who cannot fully understand the meaning of this proverb, might be the one making the expression that this proverb represents.

I am reminded once again of the profundity of expressions based on human experience.

What “Like having chewed and crushed bitter insect” Teaches Modern People

What this proverb teaches modern people might be the importance of honestly expressing emotions. In modern society, we often feel pressure to “always smile” and “be positive,” but sometimes feeling discomfort and dissatisfaction is also natural as human beings.

What’s important is recognizing our emotions and processing them appropriately. When we end up with an expression Like having chewed and crushed bitter insect, it might be a signal from our heart. Rather than forcing a smile, it’s important to think about why we feel that way and, if necessary, take action to improve the situation.

Also, when others have such expressions, we want to have an attitude of empathizing with their feelings rather than criticizing them. Everyone has unpleasant and painful experiences. The kindness to accept their expressions at such times and provide support when necessary becomes the foundation for building better human relationships.

Living with rich emotions is never something to be ashamed of. Why don’t we cherish the signals our hearts send out and also direct warm concern toward the hearts of those around us?