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I recently came across the term `変{へん}てこ`, which, if I understand it, means
"strange", but is softer than saying `変{へん}な`.

Is it similar to `変{へん}なちょこ`? I think this also means strange, but also in a
softer, possibly cute way.

In short, can someone clarify the different nuances of `変{へん}てこ`, `変{へん}な`,
and `変{へん}なちょこ`?

Also, are there other examples of `～てこ`, or is it only used with `変{へん}`?
CC BY-SA 3.0
2011-10-07T00:59:40.223
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2011-10-09T08:56:48.850
2011-10-07T02:58:24.373
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question
word-choice adverbs
What are the different nuances of saying 変{へん}?
`変てこ` is a shortened form of `変てこりん`, which seems to have underwent
phonological change from `変ちくりん`. Not sure about the motivation of the sound
change, but does not look unreasonable. The vowels in `ちく` changed:

> [iu] → [eo], which is:  
>  [+high, -back][+high, +back] → [-high, -back][-high, +back]

The origin of `ちくりん` is unknown, but is used with a few na-adjectives such as

> 変ちくりん  
>  珍ちくりん  
>  妙ちくりん

But be careful because some of them are politically incorrect.

`ちくりん` can be considered as a diminutive, adding cuteness. `変な` does not have
that cuteness nuance. `変てこ`, `変てこりん`, and `変ちくりん` imply funny thing that is
human made and cannot be used in a serious situation, whereas `変な` simply
means strange or unusual.

> Scene: A doctor is doing a surgery, and finds an unusual thing in the
> patients body.  
>  In this case, the doctor can say `変なものがある`, but definetely not `変てこなものがある`.
>
> Scene: There is a painting on the wall, which is commical and fun but
> nothing wrong.  
>  In this case, although `変な絵がある` is not impossible, `変てこな絵がある` will be a
> better fit.

As Tsuyoshi Ito mentions in the comment, `へなちょこ` means poor in quality. It
does not mean strange.
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2011-10-07T02:13:51.163
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2011-10-09T08:56:48.850
2020-06-17T08:18:27.500
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answer