Kanchō

Kanchō (カンチョー) is a prank performed by clasping the hands together in the shape of a finger gun and poking an unsuspecting anus, often while exclaiming "Kan-cho!"^[1] It is a common prank in East Asian countries such as Japan.^[2] In Korea, it is called ttongchim (똥침; 똥針),^[3][4] and in China, qiānnián shā (千年殺). The word "kanchō" is a slang adoption of the Japanese word for enema (浣腸, kanchō).^[5] In accordance with widespread practice, the word is generally written in katakana when used in its slang sense and in kanji when used for enemas in the medical sense.

Illustration of how kanchō is performed

In English-speaking countries, the term "goosing" generally refers to a comparatively mild grabbing of the buttocks with the tips of the fingers and thumb in imitation of a harmless bite on the butt from a goose. However, the kanchō prank may also be known as "goosing".^[3]

Other meanings

Kanchō is primarily a word referring to a chief, government officer, superintendent, director, or curator; a spy; low tide; or an enema.

See also

• Boong-Ga Boong-Ga – video game which allows the player to engage in simulated kanchō
• Pantsing