Korean slang is a fun and dynamic aspect of the language, constantly evolving with popular culture and trends. Here, we explore some of the most commonly used Korean slang terms, giving you a deeper insight into everyday conversations among Koreans.
대박 (Daebak) – This term is used to express amazement or shock, similar to “Awesome!” or “Wow!” in English. It can be used both positively and negatively depending on the context.
오늘 시험 결과가 대박이었어!
꿀잼 (Kkuljaem) – This slang combines the words ‘꿀’ (honey) and ‘잼’ (jam), meaning something is extremely enjoyable or fun, similar to “super fun” in English.
이 영화 진짜 꿀잼이야!
노잼 (Nojaem) – The opposite of 꿀잼, combining ‘노’ (no) and ‘잼’ (jam), used to describe something that is not fun or boring.
이번 회의는 완전 노잼이었어.
삼귀자 (Sam-gwi-ja) – Literally translating to ‘three cute letters’, this term refers to the acronym LOL (laugh out loud). It’s often used in texting or online chatting.
너 뭐하니? 삼귀자!
짱 (Jjang) – Meaning “the best” or “awesome”, this word is used to praise someone or something that is considered top-notch.
우리 팀이 짱이야!
안습 (Ansseub) – Short for 안구에 습기 차다, which literally means “moisture in the eyes”, indicating a pitiful or sad situation, often used sarcastically.
결과가 이래서 안습이야.
헐 (Heol) – Similar to “OMG” or “Wow”, it’s an expression of surprise, shock, or disbelief.
헐, 그게 정말이야?
어쩔 티비 (Eojjeol TV) – This phrase is a pun on “어쩌라고” (so what) and TV, used when someone tells you something obvious or unimpressive, implying “so what, big deal”.
너 학점 그냥 그래도 어쩔 티비.
엄친아 (Eomchina) – Short for 엄마 친구 아들 (mom’s friend’s son), this term is used to describe a person who is perfect in everything according to one’s mother, often used sarcastically to describe someone overly ideal.
엄친아처럼 공부 좀 해봐.
멘붕 (Menboong) – Short for 멘탈 붕괴 (mental breakdown), used to describe a state of mental or emotional collapse.
시험 보고 나서 멘붕 왔어.
인싸 (Inssa) – Derived from “insider”, it refers to someone who is very sociable and popular within a group.
우리 중에 진짜 인싸는 민준이야.
아싸 (Assa) – The antonym of 인싸, derived from “outsider”, used to describe someone who is socially awkward or not very popular.
항상 혼자 다녀서 아싸라고 불려.
존맛탱 (Jon-mat-taeng) – A combination of 존나 (very), 맛 (taste), and 탱 (a cute suffix), used to describe extremely delicious food.
이 짬뽕 존맛탱이야!
오져따 (Ojyeotta) – Derived from 오지다 (to be really good), used to express that something is awesome or amazing.
이 공연 진짜 오져따!
불금 (Bulgeum) – Short for 불타는 금요일 (burning Friday), used to refer to the excitement of Friday night, often associated with going out and having fun.
오늘은 불금이니까 파티하자!
썸 (Sseom) – Refers to the ambiguous relationship status between friendship and dating, similar to the concept of “something” in English.
나랑 썸 타는 사이야?
These slang terms provide insight into modern Korean culture and the playful use of language among Koreans. Knowing them can not only enhance your understanding of the language but also make your interaction with native speakers more enjoyable and authentic.
