How to Read “跋扈”
bakko
Meaning of “跋扈”
“Rampant” is originally a proverb meaning “to move around vigorously and freely” or “to behave in a carefree manner.”
This expression describes a state where one fully demonstrates their power without being subject to restrictions or constraints. Like fish swimming freely in vast waters, it depicts a situation of activity unhindered by anything. It is used when someone is fully exercising their abilities or individuality, or when expressing situations where someone acts freely within an organization or group.
In modern times, the reason for using this expression is that the freedom it describes is accompanied by vigor and strength, rather than simply meaning “freedom.” It is the perfect word when you want to express dynamic and active freedom rather than static freedom. It also has the interesting characteristic of being used in both positive and negative contexts, with its evaluation changing depending on the context.
Origin and Etymology
The word “Rampant” is an expression that originally came from Chinese classics. “跋” means to step on, and “扈” means to follow, but when these two characters are combined, they create a completely different meaning.
In ancient Chinese literature, it was used to express the way fish swim freely in water. Particularly, the sight of large fish moving vigorously through water was expressed as “Rampant.” This word came to Japan through Buddhist scriptures and Chinese classics.
It began to be used in Japan around the Heian period, initially understood as a word describing fish movement. However, as time progressed, its meaning gradually changed. From the Muromachi period onward, it came to be used not just to describe fish movement, but in a broader sense meaning “to act domineeringly” or “to behave vigorously.”
What’s interesting is that this word underwent unique development in Japan. While in China it was mainly an expression describing fish movement, in Japan it became established as a word expressing human behavior and social phenomena. It frequently appeared in Edo period literary works and has been passed down to the present day.
Interesting Facts
The character “扈” in “Rampant” was actually also a word meaning the emperor’s guard in ancient China. There is also a theory that this character came to be used from the way guards moved around following their lord.
In Japanese classical literature, this word was often used to describe natural phenomena as well. Works remain that expressed the way wind blows wildly or clouds race across the sky as “Rampant.”
Usage Examples
- Having moved to a new department, he is letting his natural planning abilities run rampant, launching one innovative project after another
- With the spread of social media, we’ve entered an era where individual creative activities run rampant
Modern Interpretation
In modern society, the concept of “Rampant” has acquired new meaning, particularly in the context of the digital age. The spread of the internet and social media has created an environment where individuals can freely disseminate information and engage in creative activities. This can truly be called a modern version of “Rampant.”
The way YouTubers, influencers, and individual bloggers freely operate beyond the framework of traditional media is precisely a modern expression of being rampant. They fully express their individuality without being bound by existing authority or constraints.
On the other hand, evaluation of “Rampant” has become complex in modern society. While free expression and activity are welcomed, they become targets of criticism when they lack consideration for others or ignore social responsibility. Particularly, online controversies and flame wars can be said to represent the negative aspects of being rampant.
Also, with the spread of work style reforms and remote work, working styles that are not bound by traditional organizational frameworks have expanded. The increasing phenomenon of freelancers and entrepreneurs can also be understood as a form of modern rampancy.
In this way, the ancient concept of being rampant is finding new meaning and value in modern digital society.
When AI Hears This
When fish are pulled from water onto land, they cannot breathe through their gills and enter a state of oxygen deprivation, instinctively thrashing about violently. The word “bakko” (跋扈), which overlays this biological phenomenon with the abuse of power, sharply captures the danger of rulers deviating from their proper roles.
Modern organizational psychology recognizes a concept called the “power paradox.” This phenomenon shows that the more power people gain, the more their capacity for empathy decreases, making them unable to understand others’ perspectives. Research at the University of California has revealed that powerful individuals experience reduced activity in their prefrontal cortex, making them prone to impulsive behavior. Just like fish gasping and thrashing on land due to oxygen deprivation, rulers also lose their rationality and go on rampages when separated from their natural environment—the trust relationship with their people.
What’s fascinating is how the fish’s thrashing is both temporary and self-destructive. Fish on land eventually exhaust themselves and die. Historical dictators follow the same pattern—the more tyrannical a ruler becomes, the shorter their reign tends to be. Emperor Caligula lasted four years, Hitler twelve years. Extreme tyranny simply cannot sustain itself.
Ancient Chinese observers saw through to the essence of power by watching this natural phenomenon. They understood that rulers can only survive with water (popular support), and the moment they leave it, they begin walking the path toward self-destruction. This insight remains a universal truth that holds up even in modern political science.
Lessons for Today
What “Rampant” teaches modern people is the importance of expressing one’s true self. However, this is different from mere selfishness. True rampancy means having the wisdom to maximize one’s abilities and individuality while also considering harmony with one’s surroundings.
In modern society, there are many situations where we are required to value individuality while also maintaining cooperation. This is precisely when the spirit of being rampant becomes useful. Demonstrating one’s strengths without hesitation while not forgetting consideration for others. This delicate balance is what is required of us living in the modern era.
Also, being rampant expresses “dynamic freedom.” Rather than being passive, it’s an attitude of actively carving out one’s own path. This is the mindset necessary to survive in our rapidly changing modern society. Don’t be afraid to find your own way of being rampant. New possibilities will surely open up.
Comments