"Revenge," "buchi-phone" and "zasso damashii" were selected as this year's best hip phrases by a Tokyo-based publishing company at a ceremony this week.
Two superstar rookie pitchers and Prime Minister Keizo Obuchi won this year's grand prize for contributing to the coining of phrases that caught on in Japan.
"Zasso damashii," attributed to Yomiuri Giants pitcher Koji Uehara, translates as "the weed spirit" and indicates humble doggedness.