Continued from yesterday（延續自昨日）
https://www.taipeitimes.com/News/lang
If plushie charms are cute little nods to people’s interests, ita bags are full-on declarations. The term “ita” comes from the Japanese word itai, which means “painful” and reflects the overwhelming visual intensity of these bags.
Photo: AdobeStock I 照片：AdobeStock
An ita bag is essentially a handbag, backpack, or tote meticulously decorated with an extensive collection of merchandise dedicated to a specific character or idol. These bags usually feature a clear plastic window to display carefully arranged pins, badges, keychains, or fan art. Both the interior and exterior may be covered in fandom memorabilia, creating an aesthetic so intense that it’s almost “painful” to look at, especially for those outside the fandom. For devoted fans, the cost of building such collections can also be quite “painful,” giving the name a double meaning.
To create an ita bag, start by choosing a base bag with a transparent window on the front. This protective layer ensures that the collection is visible yet secure. Then comes the fun part: gathering and arranging themed items. Pins and badges are often placed on an insert board or a piece of fabric, while charms and plushies can be put in transparent pouches and attached to the outside. Acrylic stands, photocards and other types of merch can add even more flair and personality.
The human desire to personalize belongings is clearly here to stay. Whether through comforting plushies or dazzling collectible displays, these accessories are more than just showing off. They carry people’s stories, identities and passions.
Photo: AdobeStock I 照片：AdobeStock
如果絨毛飾品是對個人興趣的小小致敬，那痛包就是狂熱的宣言。ita 這個詞源自日文itai，意思是「痛」，反映出這些包包令人難以招架的視覺強度。
痛包基本上就是以大量專屬特定角色或偶像的周邊收藏商品來精心裝飾的手提包、背包或托特包。這些包包通常會有一個透明的塑膠窗口，用於展示精心布置的別針、徽章、鑰匙圈或愛好者藝術。內部和外部都可能充滿狂熱的收藏而創造出一種強烈的美學，強烈到看起來幾乎是「痛苦的」（對粉絲圈外的人來說尤其如此）。對於忠實的粉絲來說，打造這種收藏的代價也可能相當「痛苦的」，使得痛包這個名字具有雙重含義（編按：代價即是指買大量周邊需要花大錢）。
要製作痛包，首先要選擇一個正面有透明視窗的底包。此保護層確保收藏品能被看見但安全。接下來是有趣的部分：收集和安排主題物品。別針和徽章通常會放在插入板或布料上，吊飾和絨毛玩具則可以放在透明娃包中並繫在外面。壓克力立牌、小卡和其他類型的商品甚至可以增添更多的風格和個性。
人類對所屬物品個人化的渴望顯然成了常態。無論是令人寬慰的絨毛玩具或是令人眼花瞭亂的收藏品展示，這些配件不僅僅是炫耀。它們承載著人們的故事、身分和熱情。
Word in Use
1. declaration n. 宣言；聲明
The company’s spokesperson read the declaration to the press.
該公司的發言人對媒體發表聲明。
2. overwhelming a. 令人無法招架的；壓倒性的
Norman felt overwhelming pressure before the interview.
諾曼在面試前感到難以承受的壓力。
3. meticulously adv. 極細心地
Renee meticulously wrapped each gift with matching ribbons.
芮妮細心包好每份禮物，並配上適合的緞帶。
4. extensive a. 大量的；廣泛的
I did extensive research on computers before finally buying a new one.
在買新電腦前，我先對電腦做了廣泛的研究。
5. merchandise n. 商品（= merch，為不可數名詞）
Merchandise bought on sale cannot be returned or refunded. 特價商品不得退貨或退款。
Practical Phrases
1. be a nod to... 向……致敬
That line of dialogue is clearly a nod to the original novel.
那句臺詞很明顯是在向原著小說致敬。
2. be dedicated to sb/sth 專屬於某人∕物；獻給某人∕物（以表支持、忠誠等）
This bag is dedicated to BLACKPINK because they are my favorite singers.
這個包包是獻給 BLACKPINK 的，因為她們是我最喜歡的歌手。
3. ensure + that 子句 確保∕保證……
Daily backups ensure that no data is lost. 每日備份能確保沒有資料會遺失。
4. be here to stay 成為常態；持續（存在）下去
Rock music was thought of as a craze at first, but now it is here to stay.
搖滾樂起初被視為一時的狂熱，但如今它永垂不朽。
5. show off 炫耀
We don’t like Duke because he likes to show off in front of others.
我們不喜歡杜克，因為他很喜歡在他人面前炫耀。
聽文章朗讀及講解: https://ivy.pse.is/455bfu
本文出自常春藤解析英語雜誌: www.ivy.com.tw
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