"Ara Ara Ufufu" Syndrome

I think they're everywhere... but still, I was wondering if this can garner enough example that this could go to YKTTW....

http://hellohelloanime.wordpress.com/2011/09/11/the-ara-ara-syndrome-taking-a-look-at-miss-perfect/

We have several tropes that cover this character type but we don't really reference the specific catchphrase because there are a lot of non-Japanese media examples as well.

Sounds like Cool Big Sis + Purity Sue to me.

More like Cool Big Sis + Ojou.

Those two + Purity Sue since the article kept mentioning perfection.

That's really just because that article writer likes them so much and is gushing about them.

Isn't that mostly Yamato Nadeshiko?

I think it's basically entirely Yamato Nadeshiko.

I think the author uses the words "Big sister" mostly because she is female. Although there is a fair amount of overlap with the big sister type too I guess.

I wouldn't say "ara ara ufufu" overlaps with Purity Sue, except where Yamato Nadeshiko already does though.

That is to say the Japanese ideals of womanhood are a whole other subject.

But it is interesting to see a perspective on the character type that is coming from a completely different angle than people who appreciate them as a "mai waifu".

The post is kind of poorly written and conflating a few different concepts. "Ara ara" is used by a number of characters that don't really fit the description given here, for one...

What does that even mean, "ara ara"?

Usually translated as "my, my"

Or "Oh my." Sometimes.

And you have to imagine it said in a really gentle voice, as though being nice to a child.

Hmm. Maybe Yamato Nadeshiko are just really condescending.

edited 24th Aug '12 4:43:32 PM by UltimatelySubjective

Wow, that's very annoying.

I guess the main point is that they're supposed to be mildly amused by stuff that other character archetypes would rage (as in table-flipping rage) at because they're just so above or at peace with everything.

edited 24th Aug '12 4:55:41 PM by Recon5

Looking at it, the article mostly deals with a particular mannerism more than a character type. Not that I think it's wrong for there to be an aspect to characters you like that isn't fully defined as a trope or indeed anywhere else, but yes the examples are somewhat lacking, especially if the article is seeking to define "Ara Ara Ufufu" as well.

There are two types of female characters who use the Ara Ara Ufufu. Those who are really that pure, like Belldandy, and those who are Bitches in Sheep Clothing. However, the former rarely use the Ufufu part, which seems to be more of malicious laughter feigning to be good natured.

The association with younger characters, like Ojous, might be the result of the Christmas Cake phenomena. It still seems to generally go with the elegant, above-it-all, perfect/pure type, or those who imitate the type.

Really? Necro-ing a six year old thread?

Yup . Aras and ufufus will never be antiquated (>‿<✿) !

"Ara ara" is an exclamation like "my my", synonymous to "maa maa", denoting both a haughty and seductive attitude, so it's usually used by high-class but nice women to explicitly signal when they are doing naughty things or scheming. It's also used by girls who are (or seem) less nice, Tamami Chanohata from Mahoraba overusing "oh my".

The ufufu is a naughty laugh, so it's kind of "evil-like", but really enchanting (at least to me), but there are more subversions by nice girls. The first girl that comes to my mind is the delicious Ayane from Nagasarete Airantou, or was she Machi.

Using the birds and the tender wind at the same time is usually the mark of an Ojou with a Heart of Gold, with prankster tendencies, so they make for Cool Big Sisses !

Though, there's not really an "Ara Ara Ufufu Syndrome", just two separate things that just come well together on a character to give her an aura of maturity which is the true desire of authors and viewers.

I really like the Aria reference. What a helpful thought !

Edited by acuddle on Feb 20th 2020 at 1:07:23 PM

I've always seen "ara, ara" used to mean something like "oh my" or "good grief." Basically a mild exclamation of surprise or dismay. Usually used by mothers or gentle older sister types when another character does something headstrong or anti-social, or when something bad has happened. I've been given the impression that "yare, yare" is the male equivalent, though that seems to lean a bit more towards exasperation.

"Ufufu" is supposed to be muffled laughter I thought, signifying that the character is up to something sneaky. Something like a muffled Noblewoman's Laugh is what I'd say it was.

So to use Ah My Goddess characters as an example, Skuld would probably be the type to use "ufufu" when she is up to some shenanigan, and then Belldandy would respond with "ara, ara" when it blows up it to some big event, showing how calm she is while everyone else is panicking. Interestingly, Urd would not be the type to use either, so maybe there is something more specific about the phrases I'm missing by not being Japanese.

I don't know that I've ever seen a character use both phrases. Certainly not in the same sentence.