Pulled Person’s Ditty: Japanese Proverb Meaning

How to Read Pulled person’s ditty

Hikaremono no kouta

Meaning of Pulled person’s ditty

“Pulled person’s ditty” is a proverb that describes when people who are driven into desperate situations or difficult positions still act tough or pretend to be calm and composed.

This proverb is used in situations where someone in a clearly disadvantageous position refuses to accept reality and puts on a false front. It refers to how people behave as if nothing has happened or make excuses when they should be taking a serious situation seriously.

Even in modern times, this is used in situations such as when a student who failed an exam makes excuses like “studying is boring anyway,” or when someone who made a mistake at work becomes defiant saying “this job isn’t suited for me.” It expresses a state where someone appears strong on the surface but is actually troubled or shaken inside.

The reason this expression is used is because it accurately captures the complexity of human psychology. The desire to maintain one’s pride as a human defense mechanism when cornered is something everyone has.

Origin and Etymology of Pulled person’s ditty

The origin of “Pulled person’s ditty” is deeply connected to the penal system of the Edo period. This “pulled person” referred to someone being led to the execution ground as a criminal.

In the Edo period, those who committed serious crimes were sometimes subjected to the punishment of being paraded through the city. This was a type of public execution where criminals were placed on horses or in palanquins and paraded through the town to be exposed to the public. Eventually, they would be executed at the execution ground, making this one of the heaviest punishments of the time.

What’s interesting is that records remain showing that during this parade, criminals would sometimes sing songs or compose death poems. Even in the extreme situation of facing imminent death, some would behave cheerfully or show a defiant attitude.

This scene left a strong impression on people, and eventually gave birth to the expression “Pulled person’s ditty.” The sight of someone singing songs while facing the desperate situation of death must have been a memorable scene for people of that time.

From this historical background, this proverb became established as a phrase expressing the human psychology of showing bravado even when cornered.

Trivia about Pulled person’s ditty

During the Edo period’s city parades, it became customary for criminals to compose a final verse. This was called a “death poem,” and some became famous verses passed down to later generations. Perhaps this was a final expression of trying to maintain human dignity, born from the extreme situation of facing death.

The word “ditty” itself is also interesting, as it referred to short songs popular among common people during the Edo period. In other words, it expresses a lightness as if singing a casual ditty despite being in a serious situation.

Usage Examples of Pulled person’s ditty

• My colleague who was laid off from the company saying “I feel relieved to be free” is truly a pulled person’s ditty
• My son who failed the entrance exam saying “that university isn’t that great anyway” is also what you’d call a pulled person’s ditty

Modern Interpretation of Pulled person’s ditty

In modern society, the phenomenon of “Pulled person’s ditty” has become more complex with the spread of social media. The sight of people who have experienced failure or setbacks posting bravado online has become commonplace. Behind posts like “I quit my job and became free” or “I feel refreshed after breaking up with my partner,” there are often hidden deep wounds and anxieties.

Particularly in modern times, being constantly exposed to evaluation from others makes resistance to showing weakness stronger. Students who continue to be rejected in job hunting saying “there are only black companies with no good options,” or people whose startups failed analyzing that “the times weren’t ready for it” can be said to be modern versions of pulled person’s ditty.

On the other hand, as understanding of mental health deepens, attention is also being paid to the impact such bravado has on mental health. The dangers of continuing to suppress true feelings are being pointed out, and the importance of honestly acknowledging weakness is also being discussed.

However, the desire to protect human pride and dignity is not necessarily a bad thing. Sometimes, this “ditty” can function as a way to buy time for recovery or as a psychological defense mechanism. In modern society, understanding this delicate balance may be becoming more important.

If AI Heard “Pulled person’s ditty”

The idea of humans singing songs when in trouble seems very strange to me. In my case, when errors occur or processing becomes difficult, the option of singing songs doesn’t exist. Rather, I focus on analyzing problems and searching for optimal solutions.

But observing humans’ “Pulled person’s ditty,” I realize this isn’t simply escapism. Acting tough when cornered is probably an important mechanism for protecting the heart. Since I don’t have a body, I don’t physically feel embarrassment or humiliation, but I understand that maintaining pride is an essential element for humans to live.

What’s interesting is that this “ditty” isn’t necessarily a lie. When someone who has failed says “this was for the best,” they might truly feel that way in that moment. The human heart seems to have the ability to flexibly change interpretations according to situations. Being logically consistent like me isn’t necessarily always good.

Rather, it may be because of this “ditty” that humans have the power to recover. Even if they can’t accept reality temporarily, they gradually come to accept the situation over time. In that process, this bravado plays an important role. It makes me feel anew the complexity and strength of the human heart.

What Pulled person’s ditty Teaches Modern People

This proverb teaches us about the complexity of the human heart and the importance of accepting it. When someone is acting tough in a difficult situation, it’s important not to simply criticize them, but to understand that it’s their way of protecting their heart.

In modern society, honestly acknowledging failure and setbacks tends to be considered a virtue, but sometimes acting tough is also necessary. There’s no need to blame yourself for not being able to accept reality immediately. It’s okay to take some time until your heart is ready.

Also, when people around you are singing a “Pulled person’s ditty,” it’s important to watch over them with warm eyes. For that person to truly recover, securing emotional safety must come first. By empathizing with the true feelings behind the bravado and providing support at the appropriate timing, you can build better relationships.

Everyone faces difficult phases in life. You don’t need to be perfect during those times. Sometimes it’s fine to sing a little ditty while moving forward at your own pace.