ABSTRACT
'Dajare' is a coined word that comprises 'da' ('no good' or 'of inferior quality') and 'sh(J)are' ('pun' or 'play on words'). Because there are a large number of homonyms in Japanese, word play is relatively easy. Even if words are not homonyms, if you intend to make a pun with words of similar sounds, you can usually convey the humorous intent with relative ease. Except perhaps on formal occasions, a good number of Japanese enjoy the conversational skill of this type of word play in both speech and writing. Even in the emerging e-mail culture of today there is much word play, both intentional and accidental.
