The JoJo's Bizarre Adventure series is notable for a number of onomatopeia (words representing sound effects) that have attracted attention from fans due to their incongruity. This is a list of all examples of such sound effects.
The Japanese language contains four defined types of onomatopeia depending on its purpose. Giseigo (擬声語) and Giongo (擬音語) are onomatopeia that mimic the sound made by living beings or inanimate objects, respectively; for instance, a cat meowing would have a "nyaa" (にゃあ) giseigo for "meow", while a "boom" from an explosion would be represented by a "doon" (ドーン) giongo. Gitaigo (擬態語) are used to indicate a state or a condition. For instance, someone smirking would be underlined by a "niyaniya" (にやにや) gitaigo. Gijōgo (擬情語) depict psychological states or bodily feelings.
JoJo's Bizarre Adventure's onomatopoeia usage is notable for featuring unique sound effects like "Memetaa!" that are rare or, in some cases, unique to the series, in addition to altered common sound effects. Most notably, the series is known to liberally use sound effects for the sole purpose of creating ambience, inspired by background sound effects used in plays or movies.
List of Sound Effects
Dogyaan (ドッギャァーン) is the first sound effect used in the series, used as a woman is sacrificed by an Aztec Chief.
"Dogyaan" used for Danny bursting out of an incinerator.
Usage in GioGio's Bizarre Adventure
Usage in Phantom Blood (PS2)
Dododododo (ドドドドド) is first used when Dario Brando sees the dead carriage driver at the Joestar family's carriage accident. The sound effect serves as a staple of the series, often appearing during particularly tense, dramatic, or bewildering moments.
Usage in GioGio's Bizarre Adventure
Usage in Phantom Blood (PS2)
Anime Debut: JoJo's Bizarre Adventure Episode 1: Dio the Invader
Zukyuuun (ズキュウウウン) is the sound effect used when Dio Brando forcibly kisses Erina Pendleton. To Japanese readers, this onomatopoeia would have the effect of a gunshot, underlining how shocking and violent the stolen kiss is. In the anime, it is represented by a high-pitched guitar dive bomb.
Usage in GioGio's Bizarre Adventure
Usage in Phantom Blood (PS2)
Anime Debut: JoJo's Bizarre Adventure Episode 1: Dio the Invader
Anime Debut: JoJo's Bizarre Adventure Episode 2: A Letter from the Past
Anime Debut: JoJo's Bizarre Adventure Episode 2: A Letter from the Past
Anime Debut: JoJo's Bizarre Adventure Episode 3: Youth with Dio
Gogogogogo (ゴゴゴゴゴ) is first used when Dio, having become a vampire, reappears in the Joestar Mansion. Early variants of this onomatopoeia include "Gogogooooo", "Gogogoooya", and "Gogogorororo." This sound effect is commonly used throughout the series during particularly uneasy or mysterious scenes.
Usage in GioGio's Bizarre Adventure
Usage in Phantom Blood (PS2)
Anime Debut: JoJo's Bizarre Adventure Episode 4: Overdrive
Memetaa (メメタァ) is the sound effect used when Will Anthonio Zeppeli strikes a frog idling on a rock in a creek. The sound effect reappears in Steel Ball Run Chapter 57: Civil War, Part 2 as Danny, Johnny Joestar's former mouse, fuses with his hand.
Usage in Phantom Blood (PS2)
Memetaa! used in Steel Ball Run
Anime Debut: JoJo's Bizarre Adventure Episode 4: Overdrive
Anime Debut: JoJo's Bizarre Adventure Episode 8: Bloody Battle! JoJo & Dio
Anime Debut: JoJo's Bizarre Adventure Episode 11: Master of the Game
Anime Debut: JoJo's Bizarre Adventure Episode 14: Ultimate Warriors from Ancient Times
Anime Debut: JoJo's Bizarre Adventure Episode 15: A Hero's Proof
Anime Debut: JoJo's Bizarre Adventure Episode 15: A Hero's Proof
Anime Debut: JoJo's Bizarre Adventure Episode 16: Ripple Teacher Lisa Lisa
Anime Debut: JoJo's Bizarre Adventure Episode 17: Laying a Deeper Trap!
Anime Debut: JoJo's Bizarre Adventure Episode 19: Race Toward the Cliff of Death
Anime Debut: Stardust Crusaders Episode 2: Who Will Be the Judge?!
Anime Debut: Stardust Crusaders Episode 2: Who Will Be the Judge?!
Anime Debut: Stardust Crusaders Episode 6: Dark Blue Moon
Anime Debut: Stardust Crusaders Episode 9: Yellow Temperance
Anime Debut: Stardust Crusaders Episode 10: Emperor and Hanged Man, Part 1
Anime Debut: Stardust Crusaders Episode 13: Wheel of Fortune
Anime Debut: Stardust Crusaders Episode 27: "Khnum" Oingo and "Tohth" Boingo
Anime Debut: Diamond is Unbreakable Episode 2: Josuke Higashikata! Meets Angelo
Anime Debut: Diamond is Unbreakable Episode 6: Koichi Hirose (Echoes)
Anime Debut: Golden Wind Episode 4: Joining the Gang
Anime Debut: Golden Wind Episode 14: Express Train to Florence
Anime Debut: Golden Wind Episode 23: Clash and Talking Head
