HEPPI-RI へっぴり
Meanings
Used mainly in HEPPI-RI GOSHI: a timid, awkward posture in which the body bends forward while the hips stick backward, suggesting fear, hesitation, or lack of confidence.
Examples
You’ll never make the shot with your body pulled back timidly like that.
そんなへっぴり腰で、シュートがうまくいくわけがないだろう。
Dogmatic Opinion
HEPPI-RI comes from HEPPI-RI GOSHI, literally written with an old expression connected to passing gas, but modern speakers no longer consciously picture farting when they hear it.
Even so, the sound somehow still feels weak and undignified rather than solid and courageous.
The posture itself communicates that weakness: the hips retreat, the body does not commit, and the person looks as though they are afraid to move fully into the action.
For Japanese Learners
HEPPI-RI GOSHI can be a timid stance, hesitant posture, awkward crouched posture, or literally a posture with the hips pulled back. Figuratively, it can suggest a half-hearted or fearful approach. English usually needs to describe either the body position or the lack of confidence.
