A Study on the discourse geki-yase (terribly-slim)

Abstract

Since 1990, we have seen a new expression about women's bodies in magazines, especially those devoted to an audience of women. The term geki-yase (getting terribly-slim or often awful-slim) indicates several aspects of the ‘slimmed body. ’ It refers to dramatic effects of commodities for slimming, a successful slimming diet of an actress (and her method), or too haggard a body as a result of excessive slimming, as well as eating disorders. We can say geki-yase means slimmed bodies, but the bodies are contrary to each other in social valuation. What does the expression represent? Finally, we analyze the politics of geki-yase mainly from weekly magazine for women.