Gyaru

Gyaru (Japanese: ギャル) pronounced [ɡʲa̠ꜜɾɯ̟ᵝ], is a Japanese fashion subculture. The term gyaru is a Japanese transliteration of the English slang word gal. The initial meaning as a Japanese slang word during the Showa era was similar to the English meaning and referred to a young woman in her late teens to twenties. In the early Showa period, the term Gyaru was also used in a mocking manner towards young women with a "frivolous" lifestyle (Modern Manga Dictionary (1931)).

The fashion subculture was considered to be nonconformist and a rebelling against Japanese social and aesthetic standards during a time when women were expected to be housewives and fit Asian beauty standards of pale skin and dark hair. For Japanese women who saw those who participated in this fashion during its rise, they considered it a fashion style too racy and freewheeling; with some feeling it caused a ruckus, juvenile delinquency and frivolousness among teenage girls. Its popularity peaked in the 1990s and early 2000s. They are also known for partying and clubbing, being rather provocative, being flirtatious, and unwinding and having fun.

The male equivalent of a gyaru is a gyaruo.