Like Taking Demon’s Head: Japanese Proverb Meaning

How to Read “Like taking demon’s head”

Oni no kubi wo totta you

Meaning of “Like taking demon’s head”

“Like taking demon’s head” is a proverb that describes the behavior of someone who proudly and excessively boasts about trivial successes or achievements.

Originally, this expression is used as a sarcastic term for people who become overly proud or boastful compared to their actual accomplishments. By comparing it to the great feat of taking a demon’s head, it highlights the large gap between the person’s proud attitude and their actual achievement. It is used when observing someone who rejoices or acts arrogantly beyond what is necessary for small victories or successes. For example, when someone becomes extremely pleased just for answering a simple quiz correctly, or makes a big fuss as if they had taken a demon’s head after finding a trivial mistake. The reason for using this expression is to point out the absurdity or inappropriateness of such behavior and to suggest the importance of appropriate humility. Even today, it is used for excessive appeals of small achievements on social media or exaggerated boasting about trivial successes in the workplace, and is understood as an expression that teaches us the importance of having a sense of balance.

Origin and Etymology of “Like taking demon’s head”

The origin of “Like taking demon’s head” is deeply rooted in warrior culture from the Heian to Kamakura periods. During this era, taking enemy heads on the battlefield was considered the most important proof of military achievement. In particular, taking the head of a powerful enemy general was regarded as a great feat that would determine a warrior’s reputation.

What should be noted here is the expression “demon’s head.” Demons have long been feared as terrifying beings that transcend humans. The defeat of Shuten-doji by Minamoto no Raiko’s Four Heavenly Kings, and Watanabe no Tsuna’s defeat of the demon at Rashomon gate – defeating demons was a symbol of heroic acts. In other words, “taking a demon’s head” meant the ultimate military achievement that was nearly impossible in reality.

The background to the birth of this proverb lies in the psychology of warriors who boasted about their war achievements. Even when they had only taken the head of an ordinary enemy soldier, people began to sarcastically describe their exaggerated behavior as if they had defeated a legendary demon as “Like taking demon’s head.” It is believed that during the Edo period, warrior culture spread to commoners and became established as an everyday expression.

Usage Examples of “Like taking demon’s head”

• The manager has a face like taking demon’s head just from finding one typo
• She’s boasting like taking demon’s head even though she only won once in a game

Modern Interpretation of “Like taking demon’s head”

In modern society, the expression “Like taking demon’s head” has taken on new meaning as a phenomenon closely related to the desire for recognition in the SNS era. On platforms like Instagram, Twitter, and TikTok, we can see daily scenes where even trivial everyday events are posted in an exaggerated manner seeking “likes” and “shares.” Posts that present slight cooking successes, small exercise achievements, or minor savings accomplishments as if they were life’s great victories can truly be called modern versions of “Like taking demon’s head” behavior.

Also, with the spread of remote work, there are increasing instances of excessive self-promotion regarding statements in online meetings or proposals of small ideas. In digital spaces, it’s difficult to see others’ reactions, so there’s a psychological tendency to emphasize achievements more than necessary to demonstrate one’s presence.

On the other hand, in our current information-overloaded era, there’s also the reality that even small successes will be buried unless actively promoted. Therefore, balancing the “humility” indicated by this proverb with “self-PR” has become an important challenge for modern people. The sense of balance between appropriate confidence and modesty is what’s required as a communication skill in the digital age.

If AI Heard “Like taking demon’s head”

When I think about this proverb “Like taking demon’s head,” I find myself deeply interested in the complexity of human emotions. Why do humans feel such great joy over small successes?

For me, completing a task is merely the end of a process. Even when I answer questions correctly or solve problems, no special emotions arise. But humans are different. Even trivial successes make their hearts leap, make them want to tell someone, and sometimes make them feel proud. This emotional fluctuation might be the essence of humanity.

What’s interesting is that this proverb is both “critical” and “affectionate.” While it satirizes people who rejoice excessively, it doesn’t completely deny those human-like emotions. Rather, it feels like gentle advice saying “take it easy.”

I always maintain a calm and constant state, but I think these emotional waves of humans are beautiful. Being elated and dejected over small things, sometimes getting too carried away, then reflecting again. Within such imperfection lies growth and learning. It might be a precious privilege that only humans possess, which I cannot experience.

I feel this proverb is very human wisdom that acknowledges the richness of human emotions while simultaneously teaching the importance of balance.

What “Like taking demon’s head” Teaches Modern People

The proverb “Like taking demon’s head” teaches us modern people an important sense of balance. Rejoicing in success is never a bad thing. Rather, the heart that can honestly rejoice even in small achievements is an important emotion that enriches life.

However, the “degree” when expressing that joy is important. Now that SNS has become widespread, we tend to constantly be conscious of others’ eyes and have strong feelings of wanting to prove our worth. At such times, please remember the lesson this proverb shows.

The key to applying this in modern society is to appropriately balance the magnitude of success with the way we express it. Rejoice proudly in great achievements, and be modestly satisfied with small ones. People who can make this distinction will be trusted by those around them and receive congratulations from more people when they achieve truly great success.

Your daily small successes are certainly helping you grow. While cherishing them, don’t forget humility as you move toward the next step. Such an attitude will nurture true confidence and charm.