Daki from Demon Slayer is literally a disease, and her real name proves it

Modified Aug 18, 2024 05:37 GMT

Daki from Demon Slayer is literally a disease, and her real name proves it (Image via ufotable) — Daki from Demon Slayer is literally a disease, and her real name proves it (Image via Ufotable)

Daki is one of the strongest Upper-Moon Demons from Demon Slayer who was killed through the teamwork of Zenitsu and Inosuke during the Entertainment District arc. The moment she shared with her brother in their dying moments was surely heartbreaking, but the true meaning behind the Upper-Moon Demon's could be even more heartbreaking.

Despite having numerous names as a demon and as an Oiran, Daki's real name from her time as a human was Ume, which in Japanese kanji translates to a disease.

Where Gyutaro had already revealed that Daki's nickname was based on the disease that killed their mother, the fact that her name was such a roundabout way of announcing that disease is upsetting.

Demon Slayer: Exploring the real meaning behind the name of Upper Moon Six Demon Daki

Daki as seen in her human form (Image via ufotable)

Just like every demon in Demon Slayer, Daki was also a human before she became a demon.

She was born in the lowest castle of the Entertainment District where the oirans and courtesans, who worked in the upper castles, were sent to die when they reached age or had lost their value in the eyes of most of the customers.

Daki's mother was an abusive one who released her frustration on Daki and Gyutaro, Daki's brother. The identity of Daki's father wasn't revealed in the series, as he was one of her mother's customers. Gyutaro escaped home with his sister after her mother tried to kill Daki, and they lived on the streets, hardly making ends meet.

Their mother eventually died of syphilis, which she got while working as a courtesan in the Entertainment District. Meanwhile, her children were hardly living a proper life. Daki's pretty face helped her make a place in the upper castles of the Entertainment District where Gyutaro worked as her collector.

Daki as seen in the anime (Image via ufotable)

Their normal lives were interrupted when a customer of Daki badmouthed Gyutaro in front of her, and she stabbed him in the eye.

She was burned due to her actions, and despite Gyutaro's help, they reached a point where their death became imminent. However, they crossed paths with Upper Moon Demon Douma and were transformed into demons.

Daki's name as a human in Demon Slayer is Ume (kanji: 梅うめ). The apparent meaning of her name is plum, but it holds another meaning in a different kanji style. Ume can also be written as the kanji 黴ばい毒どく, which is pronounced as 'Baidoku.'

'Baidoku' translates into the English word 'syphilis,' the se*ually transmitted disease that her mother died from. Surprisingly, Gyutaro had already mentioned that Daki's real name was the same as the disease that killed their mother. However, as the international fandom isn't aware of kanji structures, it remained a mystery.

Shiraume, the nickname that might also hold a hidden meaning

Daki's face was exceptionally pretty such that it would make grown-ups fall for her at first glimpse and offer her valuable stuff. That earned her the nickname of Shiraume, with 'Shira' added to her name, which is apparently translated as 'white plum.' White plum blossoms indicate purity in Japanese culture.

However, the real reason behind this nickname could be to hide the vile meaning of the disease behind her true name. As changing her nickname led to her becoming one of the most popular Oirans of the Entertainment District, it could also be considered the reason behind her nickname.

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Edited by Bhargav