The other characteristics of Saigyo's poems is an unrestrained use of slang and other expressions not considered to be part of poetry vocabulary; and, some argue that he may have been influenced by folk songs and a traditional popular song accompanied on the samisen that were popular in those days.
また俗語や歌語ならざる語を歌のなかに取入れるなどの自由な詠みくちもその特色で、当時の俗謡や小唄の影響を受けているのではないかという説もある。