What is “Uso-hato”? Japanese Internet Slang Explained
“Uso-hato” (嘘鳩) is a Japanese internet slang term used in live streaming communities like Nico Nico Douga, TwitCasting, and YouTube Live. It refers to users who send false information or “fake reports” to streamers or influencers via chat or DMs on SNS like X (formerly Twitter) and Instagram.
The word is a combination of two Japanese words: “Uso” (嘘), meaning lie or falsehood, and “Hato” (鳩), meaning pigeon. In this context, “Hato” refers to “Densho-bato” (carrier pigeons), which were historically used to deliver messages. Essentially, it means “a carrier pigeon that delivers lies.”
The primary motives of an Uso-hato are often malicious, such as:
- Fabricating claims like “Streamer A was talking bad about you” to destroy friendships.
- Stirring up conflict or “drama” between creators.
- Simply enjoying the streamer’s reaction when they realize they’ve been tricked.
Common expressions using Uso-hato:
- “That was just an Uso-hato, did you actually believe it?”
- “Must be an Uso-hato.”
- “Another Uso-hato has arrived.”
- “Don’t take that Uso-hato seriously.”
- “They’re just sending Uso-hato to start a fight.”
- “An Uso-hato flew in, but I knew immediately it was fake.”
Because the term originates from “carrier pigeons,” people often use flying-related metaphors like “flew in” or “sent flying.”
For more details on the internet slangs “Hato” and “Densho-bato,” please see the Explanation of Hato.
While it started appearing around 2023 on Nico Nico Douga, as of 2026, it is frequently seen on TwitCasting, YouTube, and various Japanese social media platforms.
