白目
shirome
The English phrase 'bombastic side eye' can be translated into Japanese as 白目 (shirome).
白目 refers to a judgmental look given by shifting the eyes to the side to show disapproval or disbelief.
How do you pronounce it?
shirome
Did you know?
- The phrase 白目を剥く can describe the physical act of rolling one's eyes back, which in certain traditional contexts is associated with extreme rage or possession.
- In Japanese pop culture, especially in anime, showing the 白目 can indicate a character is experiencing extreme shock or has 'died' internally from a ridiculous comment.
- The term 白目 literally translates to 'white eyes', referring to the visible sclera when someone rolls their eyes upward or to the side.
Example conversation
Two friends are talking about a strange comment someone made.
- 陽葵 Himari大翔くんの今の発言、すごかったね。Hiroto-kun no ima no hatsugen, sugokatta ne.That thing Hiroto just said was something else.
- 大翔 Hirotoえ、俺何か変なこと言った？E, ore nanika hen na koto itta?What, did I say something weird?
- 陽葵 Himariもう、白目で見てたよ！Mou, shirame de miteta yo!I was giving you a total side-eye!
- 大翔 Hirotoごめん、もう二度と言わないよ。Gomen, mou nido to iwanai yo.Sorry, I won't say it again.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry 白目, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
