The meaning and use of "OSU!" pronounced UUHhhsss!

[AngelaG]

The kyokushin people seem to use Osu the most. I went on a kyokushin forum and gave up after 5 minutes as the written use of Osu was extremely annoying after a while.

[ps1]

We use Osu like the Army would use "hoo-ah", or that's what it reminds me of anyway.

This is the way I had always used it. Then I read the article on https://www.24fightingchickens.com a couple years back. After that I kinda stopped using it.

That said, I think the definition of a word changes over time if the culture deems it so. For example, in the mid 80s the word "bad" began to mean "good" or "great." "Dude, that jump kick was bad." meant the same as "fantastic jump kick."

Look at the use of the word "fat," now spelled "Phat." It means "sweet, awesome, really cool!" For some reason, no other examples are jumping out at me. I'm sure you know what I mean though.

I guess what I'm trying to say is if the circle of people choose for it to mean something, then that's what it means to them. Imagine if you only spoke pig latin around your friends and they all spoke it back. You'd probably be made fun of by others from outside the circle, but does that mean it's not a valid means of communication with those inside the circle?

Just a thought.

[NightOwl]

Just be careful if you use it in a Japanese dojo

I dunno, it kind of seems to me like a if Japanese baseball players started shouting, 'PLAY BALL' as a greeting to each other to try and seem American. It's fine if you want to use it, but just keep in mind that it is out of context.

[bushido_man96]

Verbiage is always training, it seems. However, I think the example with this word, Osu, is an attempt to bring the Japanese culture into the style for the Westerners, and in the process of doing so, it has been taken out of context, and overdone.

I kind of look at it as a "tradition run amok."

[ps1]

Just be careful if you use it in a Japanese dojo

I dunno, it kind of seems to me like a if Japanese baseball players started shouting, 'PLAY BALL' as a greeting to each other to try and seem American. It's fine if you want to use it, but just keep in mind that it is out of context.

I agree! That's why I really don't use it any more.

[strangepair03]

The kyokushin people seem to use Osu the most. I went on a kyokushin forum and gave up after 5 minutes as the written use of Osu was extremely annoying after a while.

Now that is really funny....When you over type an over spoken word on a forum.............

[Sensei Rick]

oh man, i've had it..... today, sensei used it at the end of class to say "goodbye" uuuuhhhhhggggggggggg!

[ps1]

oh man, i've had it..... today, sensei used it at the end of class to say "goodbye" uuuuhhhhhggggggggggg!

Looks like it's something you're gonna just have to get used to. There's no rule that says you have to say it back. Also, you know sensei means it in good faith. He/she is not trying to be malicious or anything.

[Zanshin]

Many words / expressions that we take as granted as being "Japanese" (because we do Karate); do not actually make a lot of sense to a non karate practicing Japanese person.

Take the word "Shuto" for example; often described as "knife hand", most Japanese people would not understand what you were talking about, because it has been taken out of context.

To an extent this is the same with the word "Osu".

But also, I think that some styles / clubs place greater emphasis on its use than others. Doesn't really bother me one way or another.

I think that if your Sensei is ok with you using it then fine. Just be aware maybe that if you train outside of your club / style that it may not be received in the same way.

[Elky]

Many words / expressions that we take as granted as being "Japanese" (because we do Karate); do not actually make a lot of sense to a non karate practicing Japanese person.

Take the word "Shuto" for example; often described as "knife hand", most Japanese people would not understand what you were talking about, because it has been taken out of context.

Can you explain this further? I've been thinking about this term lately and wondering about the origin of it.