Entry
のめのめ
nomenome
Describes acting or behaving shamelessly, without showing proper guilt or embarrassment.
Meaning
Quick Meaning
This word is used when someone acts, returns, or shows up without feeling the shame or guilt they ought to feel given the situation. It carries a critical nuance.
- behaving shamelessly
- showing up unapologetically
Sense Map
Shameless behavior
Acting without the guilt or shame one should feel
のめのめと生きる
Brazen appearance
Showing up or returning somewhere without feeling awkward
のめのめと戻る
Usage Note
How to Use
のめのめと + verb
Used as an adverb to describe how someone performs an action (like showing up, returning) shamelessly.
のめのめする
Used as a verb to refer to the act of behaving shamelessly itself.
How to Use
Common Phrases
のめのめと戻る
returning shamelessly
のめのめと現れる
showing up shamelessly
のめのめと生きる
living shamelessly
のめのめと引き下がる
shamelessly backing down
Nuance
Context Nuance
| Common Contexts | Nuance | Usage Note |
|---|---|---|
| Returning after failure | negative | Often used when someone returns as if nothing happened after making a major mistake. |
| Avoiding responsibility | negative | Shows the speaker's irritation towards the offender's unrepentant attitude. |
Similar Words
Comparison Table
| Similar Words | When to Use | Not the Same as | Mini Example |
|---|---|---|---|
おめおめ おめおめ / similar | When accepting a disgraceful situation without fighting back, or returning in disgrace. | Focuses more on enduring shame without resisting, whereas のめのめ focuses on acting as if there is no shame at all. | おめおめと引き下がる |
のこのこ のこのこ / similar | When someone shows up uninvited or carefree in a situation where they shouldn't. | Focuses on being oblivious to the mood or danger, rather than actively shameless behavior. | のこのこやって来る |
いけしゃあしゃあ いけしゃあしゃあ / similar | When someone acts or speaks with extreme, bold impudence. | Focuses on the audacity of their words or attitude, often accompanied by a feeling of disgust from the speaker. | いけしゃあしゃあと嘘をつく |
Usage Note
Common Mistakes
Using it for confidence
This word always has a negative connotation and means 'shameless'. Do not use it to praise someone's bravery.
Equating it to being relaxed
It is not just about being carefree, but specifically lacking guilt over something that should be shameful.
Examples
Examples
彼はプロジェクトを失敗させたにもかかわらず、のめのめと会社に戻ってきた。
かれはプロジェクトをしっぱいさせたにもかかわらず、のめのめとかいしゃにもどってきた。
Despite causing the project to fail, he returned to the company shamelessly.
FigurativeShows the lack of guilt after making a major mistake.
約束を破ったのに、よくものめのめと顔を出せたものだ。
やくそくをやぶったのに、よくものめのめとかおをだせたものだ。
I can't believe they could shamelessly show their face after breaking their promise.
FigurativeExpresses disgust or disbelief that the offender feels no awkwardness.
試合に負けたまま、のめのめと引き下がるわけにはいかない。
しあいにまけたまま、のめのめとひきさがるわけにはいかない。
I cannot shamelessly back down while defeated in the match.
FigurativeUsed when someone refuses to accept a disgraceful defeat without a fight.
自分が悪いのに、のめのめしている態度は許せない。
じぶんがわるいのに、のめのめしているたいどはゆるせない。
Even though it's their own fault, I cannot forgive their shameless attitude.
FigurativeExample of using it as a verb (する) to refer to the attitude itself.
嘘がばれた後も、彼女はのめのめと生きていくのだろう。
うそがばれたあとも、かのじょはのめのめといきていくのだろう。
Even after her lies were exposed, she will probably continue to live shamelessly.
FigurativeDescribes continuing to live without caring about disgrace or ruined reputation.
Similar Words
おめおめ
omeome
Describes the attitude of acting shamelessly or brazenly, especially when one ought to feel ashamed or responsible. Means enduring shame or accepting disgrace without fighting back. のめのめ focuses on having no shame at all.
のこのこ
nokonoko
Nokonoko describes someone showing up or acting in a shameless, unconcerned manner when they should feel embarrassed or hesitant. Showing up uninvited or oblivious to the mood. のめのめ emphasizes showing up shamelessly despite having done wrong.
いけしゃあしゃあ
ikeshaashaa
Acting shamelessly or brazenly without any sense of guilt. Indicates extreme impudence or boldness in acting or speaking, often triggering disgust.
Questions
Can のめのめ be used in formal situations?
No, it is a critical and colloquial word. Using it in formal or polite conversation is not recommended.
Can this be used for someone who shows up uninvited but has done nothing wrong?
No. It is specifically used when the person has a clear reason to feel guilty or ashamed about their past actions.
Can I use it for someone who is confident?
No. It describes shamelessness, usually when someone did something wrong but acts unaffected.
Source Details
- Entry ID
- 2454390
- Source
- JMdict_english
- Revision
- -
- Review notes
- No special notes
- Active language
- English
- Previous entry
- のっそり (nossori)
- Next entry
- はらり (harari)