FIRST - the namesake
Ah, the true pinnacle of Kansai-ben. So over-the-top. So dramatic. So many uses!
なんでやねん (nande ya nen) is, like, the foundation of Japanese comedy. Literally watch any Japanese variety TV show and the token Kansai guy will say it, much to the mirth of the audience and other panel members.
Japanese comedy, especially manzai, is a staple of the Kansai region. You can’t have one without the other. Kansai culture exists because of manzai. And manzai exists because it was born and is continuously shaped by the changing Kansai region.
What does なんでやねん even mean, though?
The simplest answer is that it’s like a surprised reaction to something that’s unbelievable or stupid.
For example:
“For my friend’s birthday, we surprised him by taking him to Okinawa. We told him we were going to Tokyo, even though there were no flights leaving for Tokyo at the time.”
“And he didn’t realise? なんでやねん”
“And then the plane ride took twice as long as it would’ve to Tokyo. He was just happily dancing to his own music the whole time.”
“なんでやねん. Did he realise when you landed?
“Nope. Had no idea. Goes, ‘God, it’s hot for Tokyo!’ when we get off the plane. There’s a huge sign saying “WELCOME TO OKINAWA” in the entrance to the airport. Doesn’t realise until we lose our shit at him for being so thick.”
“Wow, is this guy an elementary school kid?”
“He’s 35.”
“なんでやねん？！”
(This Is A Real Story. No joke. Most hilarious trip of my life.)