Rippu-suru (リップする) is a piece of Japanese slang derived from the English phrase ‘lip service’. It refers to the act of saying something nice or agreeable simply for the sake of appearances, without any genuine intention or commitment to back those words up. In Japan, it is often used to describe insincere compliments or superficial promises.
Understanding the Nuance
While the term originates from English, it has taken on a specific flavor in Japanese youth and office slang. Unlike the direct English usage, rippu-suru often carries a slightly cynical or humorous tone when identifying behavior that lacks substance.
A: “Did the manager really mean he’d consider our proposal?”
B: “Probably not. He was just rippu-shiteru (giving lip service) to keep the atmosphere smooth.”
Pro-Tip: Use this term carefully. Because it carries an implication of insincerity, calling someone out for rippu-suru can be confrontational. It is best used when discussing behaviors among peers rather than in formal settings.
Related Concepts
In the Japanese corporate world, balancing genuine intent with social harmony is crucial. You might find it interesting to contrast rippu-suru with the more positive, traditional approach of Nema-washi, which involves building actual consensus behind the scenes. Additionally, remember to keep your workplace interactions professional and authentic, as explored in our guide on O-tsu, a common way to acknowledge colleagues’ hard work.
