Rippana

They did it againǃ

—Aria

Rippana (立派な, りっぱな, adj. "top-class", n. rippa, adv. rippani) is a word that writers use when they are at a loss for words. It is used to describe anything positive in the superlative sense. Like a cup of coffee for an author with writer's block and an unfulfillable deadline, its application is most effective without moderation.

This usage was innovated by the writing staff for Shining Force. Although it is not certain which writer in particular is at fault for this exceptional shortfall in creativity, it is likely one or more of the of four people credited for the game's scriptː Masaki Wachi, Kenji Orimo, Haruki Kodera, and Hiroyuki Takahashi.

Examples of Abuse

The overuse of rippana has led to much heartache and cracking of the spines of thesauri on the part of the Shining Force translation hack's editor. Disbelieving voices are frequently raised in exasperation at the repeated sight of the word.

Rippana transcends age, class, and education and is uttered enthusiastically by kings, Ancients, drunks, and toddlers alike.

Hall of Misusage

Varios
かつては　どこかの国の　りっぱな　剣士だったのでしょう	The country you come from must have some splendid swordsmen, don’t you think?
Guardiana Woman
りっぱな　お城なのよね	It really is an amazing castle, don’t you think?
Gort
おれは　こう見えても　むかしは　りっぱな戦士だったんだ	Thou mayst not know it to see me now, but long ago I was a grand warrior.
Injured Guardiana Soldier
りっぱに　この国をまもります!	I'm going to admirably defend this country!
King of Guardiana
りっぱな騎士に　なるのだぞ	Become a worthy knight.
Alterone Guard
ふー　りっぱなヨロイはいいけど　おもたくて　かなわないよ	Phew, this armor works really well, but this weight is intolerable.
Alterone Knight
我が国王は　りっぱな　お方だ	Our country's king is a fine man.
Manarina Alley Wizard
りっぱに戦ってください!	Please fight splendidly!
Rindo Girl
りっぱなテントができたというのに　サーカスが　ちっともはじまらないの	They set up this incredible tent, but the circus hasn’t started performing yet.
Elliott's Admirer
あの方って　とてもステキなのよね　つよいし　りっぱだし・・・	Isn’t he a wonderful man? Strong, elegant …
とてもりっぱな方なの	He’s such a flawless gentleman.
Koron
あの方は　りっぱな方です!	He is a most creditable gentleman!
Uranbatol Merchant
あいてがだれであろうと　お金さえ　もらえれば　りっぱなおきゃく様だよ	It doesn’t matter who I deal with. If they’ve got money, they’re a great customer.
Waral Drunk
きっと　すげえりっぱなんだろうな	[The Land of the Gods] has got to be unbelievably impressive, don’t you think?
Rudo Boy
バリュウが　りっぱなになるまでは　ここから出ていかないぞ!	We won’t leave here before Bleu becomes great!
Karin
りっぱな神竜になって!	Become a Divine Dragon worthy of praise!
バリュウがりっぱになったって　みんなに教えなきゃ!	I’m going to tell everyone that Bleu has become great!
Rudo Farmer
バリュウが　りっぱになったそうな	It seems that Bleu has become worthy of praise.
Rudo Elder
子どもたちも　よくがんばった　バリュウも　りっぱになったし	The kids have also been giving it their all, and Bleu too has become exceptional.
Prompt Man
ここがプロンプトのお城ズラ　なかなか　りっぱなもんズラよ	This is Prompt Castle, I think. Real splendid thing, I think!
Spirit of the Spring of Memory
でも　あなたはりっぱに戦いました	But you have fought superbly.