あAwkward Japanese

"ワクワクすっぞ" (Waku-waku suzzo) is a famous catchphrase from the legendary anime character Goku from Dragon Ball. It’s a very masculine, informal, and energetic way of expressing excitement. Here is the breakdown: The Literal Meaning Waku-waku (ワクワク): An onomatopoeia for the sound of a heart pounding with excitement or anticipation. It’s like saying "I'm getting butterflies" or "I'm pumped." Su (す): A shortened, rougher version of suru (to do). Zzo (っぞ): A very masculine and assertive sentence-ending particle that adds emphasis and a "tough guy" or "country boy" vibe. How to Translate It Depending on the context, it translates to: "I'm getting excited!" "I'm getting pumped!" "This is gonna be fun!" "I'm itching for a fight!" (In Goku's specific context) Cultural Context In Japan, this phrase is inseparable from Goku’s personality. He usually says it right before a dangerous fight or when he encounters a powerful opponent. Because of the "suzzo" ending, it sounds a bit "hickish" or unrefined (Goku speaks in a rural dialect called Tohoku-ben in the Japanese version). If a normal person said this in a business meeting, it would be very strange! However, among friends or while playing video games, it’s a fun way to show you’re hyped up. Fun Fact: The phrase became so iconic that it is often used as a meme in Japan to describe the feeling of anticipation before a big event or a new release.