ABSTRACT
This chapter focuses on the appropriation of onē-kotoba and its dissemination as onēkyara kotoba via translation into telops in Japanese variety TV. It analyzes a heteronormative trajectory, where transformation from well-built unfashionable comedian to voluptuous red-carpet celebrity is proved vis-à-vis heteronormative desire. Uematsu's ara is uttered with an elongated and therefore exaggerated final vowel, a feature that projects it into a hyper-feminine one-kyara style. Furthermore, the final phrase of Uematsu's bitchy critique of the perils of paisley, honki yo, employs a conventional JWL construction: interactional particle yo directly after a noun. The image of Uematsu holding the dress to Shizu's face has provided the visual gag. Disparaging comments aimed at the guest are one of the comic focuses of the special. The disparaging remarks are not only directed at the badly dressed and partnerless guest but are often reflected back on the expert OM regulars through comments bantered among themselves.
