What is Shakabuku

It’s from one of my favorite films, Grosse Pointe Blank, where Martin Q. Blank (John Cusack) finds himself tiring of his profession, hired killer, with his tenth high reunion looming. Reconnecting with his former girl friend, Debi Newborn (Mimmie Driver), jilted on prom-night by Cusack, who’d fled to the army.

Back home, Cusack reconnects with Driver, now a radio personality, wanting to change his life, but unable to explain it. At a local lounge, the following dialog takes place.

Debi: You know what you need?
Marty: What?
Debi: Shakabuku.
Marty: You wanna tell me what that means?
Debi: It’s a swift, spiritual kick to the head that alters your reality forever.
Marty: Oh, that’d be good. I think.

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