Korean slang & trends

192 English translations · Awaiting review

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• 1.5가구1.5 gaguIndependent living with shared supportA way of living independently while drawing on shared services or outside support when needed.
• 어그로aggroDeliberately attracting attentionBehavior intended to attract attention or stir up controversy. It comes from a gaming term for drawing a monster's attacks.
• 안구정화angu jeonghwaA refreshing sight for the eyesAn expression suggesting that seeing an attractive person makes your eyes feel refreshed or “cleansed.”
• 앱테크app techEarning small amounts through appsA way of earning money by using smartphone apps.
• 반반차banbanchaTwo hours of leaveA leave arrangement that divides a half-day off in half again, allowing time off in two-hour blocks.
• 반차banchaA half-day offUsing half a day of annual leave.
• 번개beongaeA spontaneous meetupAn impromptu in-person gathering among people who met online, or a meetup arranged on the spot during a conversation.
• 봄이구나bomigunaOh, it's springA meme describing spring scenery or warm weather in Cristina's distinctive intonation, sometimes extended with other words ending in 구나.
• 본방사수bonbangsasuWatching a show as it airsMaking a point of watching a program at its originally scheduled broadcast time.
• 본진bonjinYour main fandom favoriteIn fandom, the singer or member someone is most devoted to.
• 부청샹bucheongsyangI never saw that comingA Chinese meme expression meaning “I never thought of that,” used to emphasize an absurd twist.
• 벌크업bulk upBuilding muscle massA process of building up the body through strength training and nutrition, with the goal of increasing muscle mass.
• 병원에 가보기로 했어요byeongwone gabogiro haesseoyoI've decided to go to the hospitalA meme that figuratively describes going to a concert or another fan event to see a favorite artist.
• 차애chaaeYour second-favorite group memberThe idol group member you like second-most, after your favorite.
• 치팅데이cheat dayA cheat dayA planned day during a diet when someone eats foods they have been wanting.
• 칠 가이chill guyThe Chill Guy memeA meme using a laid-back-looking character to express a relaxed attitude in any situation.
• 추구미chugumiThe aesthetic you aspire toAn ideal kind of beauty or personal image that you want to embody.
• 취향저격chwihyang jeogyeokExactly your kind of thingAn expression used when discovering an object or person that fits your taste so well it feels made for you.
• 대박daebakWow, that's incredible!An exclamation for something surprising or impressive. It can also refer to a major success.
• 다크 사이렌dark sirenThe dark-siren beauty trendA beauty trend using heavy eye makeup and cool tones to evoke a mysterious, dark mermaid from the deep sea.
• 덕연이 딸Deogyeoni ttalDeogyeon's daughterA greeting meme that spread after RESCENE's Woni introduced herself using her mother's name at a shop in her hometown.
• 덕후deokhuA devoted enthusiastSomeone deeply interested in a particular subject or person who pursues that interest passionately.
• 덕질deokjilBeing an enthusiastic fanDevoting time and enthusiasm to a person, subject, or interest you love.
• 득템deuktemScoring a good findGetting an item you are happy with. Originally used for acquiring items in games, it later spread into everyday use.
• 디토소비ditto sobiFollowing someone else's choicesChoosing products or services by following another person's selections.
• 도달가능미dodal ganeungmiAn attainable personal imageA version of your appearance or personal image that feels realistically achievable, compared with an ideal you aspire to.
• 동학개미donghak gaemiKorean retail stock investorsIndividual investors who buy stocks in the Korean domestic market.
• 도파민 디톡스dopamine detoxTaking a break from stimulating mediaA practice of reducing smartphone use or short, highly stimulating content and spending more time on activities such as reading or walking.
• 도파밍dopamingConstantly seeking stimulationContinuously seeking amusement and intense stimulation, likened to collecting items in a game.
• 어쩔티비eojjeol TVSo what? Go watch TVA dismissive comeback that brushes someone off along the lines of “so what—go watch TV.”
• 필코노미feelconomySpending guided by feelingsAn economic trend in which mood and emotional satisfaction become central reasons for spending.
• 파이어족FIRE-jokPeople pursuing financial independence and early retirementPeople working toward voluntary early retirement through financial independence.
• 플렉스flexShowing off or splashing outProudly displaying money, possessions, or achievements, or deciding to spend generously; from the English word “flex.”
• 프렌드플레이션friendflationThe rising cost of keeping up with friendsThe increasing expense of meeting friends and maintaining friendships as prices rise.
• 가치소비gachi sobiValue-driven spendingSpending based on personal values and satisfaction. Older sources emphasize buying what one wants, while more recent sources also discuss beliefs and principles alongside price and quality.
• 갈테야테야galteyateyaI'm going, I'm going!An exaggerated, repetitive way to express a strong desire to go somewhere, such as a concert.
• 감옥에서 누가 돌아왔게gamogeseo nuga dorawatgeGuess who's back from prisonA meme dramatically announcing the return of someone or something absent for a while, often copied with a loud, drawn-out delivery or a different place name.
• 감튀모임gamtwi moimA casual fries meetupA low-commitment meetup where people who met online get together to eat fries and then go their separate ways.
• 갑차기스러운데gapchagiseureoundeWell, this is unexpectedA meme using deliberately awkward wording to react to something unexpected or a situation someone would rather avoid.
• 갑질gapjilAbuse of powerUnfair treatment by someone who uses a position of advantage or authority against another person.
• 갓벽gatbyeokAbsolutely perfectAn emphatic way to say that something is completely perfect.
• 갓생gatsaengLiving a productive lifeA diligent, fulfilling life described as almost godlike, or the attitude of trying to live that way.
• 젠지어Gen Z-eoGen Z meme languageThe delivery and trendy expressions of memes used by Gen Z on social media and in short-form content.
• 거제 야호Geoje yahoGeoje, woo-hoo!A catchphrase combining the place name Geoje with a shout of 야호. Other place names can be substituted into the same pattern.
• 건강지능geongang jineungProactive, informed health managementThe ability and attitude to manage one's health proactively and comprehensively while considering scientific evidence.
• 금수저geumsujeoBorn with advantagesA metaphor for a person or group whose wealthy parents give them an advantage in a competitive society.
• 근본이즘geunbonijeumA renewed focus on lasting valuesA tendency to focus on enduring values and traditions amid rapidly changing trends.
• 급식체geupsikcheSchool-age internet slangSpeech patterns and internet slang associated with students, especially middle and high school students.
• 그러시구나geureosigunaOh, I seeA response acknowledging or sympathizing with someone, imitating Cristina's distinctive high pitch and intonation.
• 기후감수성gihu gamsuseongClimate awarenessAn awareness of climate and environmental problems coupled with a willingness to act on them.
• 글램핑glampingCamping with comfortsCamping in a setting with upscale facilities.
• 고구마gogumaA frustratingly stuck situationA situation or story development that feels frustrating and blocked, likened to the sensation of eating a sweet potato.
• 골반통신golban tongsinThe nonstop-hips dance memeA short-form dance meme built around the idea that someone's hips will not stop moving.
• 공강gonggangA gap between classesA period with no classes between university lectures. It can also mean an entire day without classes.
• 그린그린green greenA playful sign of approvalAn expression for something good or appealing, paired with 레드레드 to indicate likes and dislikes.
• 구독경제gudok gyeongjeThe subscription economyEconomic activity in which people pay a recurring fee to receive products or services.
• 귀하게 자란 내가 이런 걸 봐도 될까gwihage jaran naega ireon geol bwado doelkkaShould my precious eyes be seeing this?An exaggerated comment left in response to content someone finds unpleasant or embarrassing to watch.
• 귀요미gwiyomiA cutieA person or thing with an endearing, adorable appearance, manner of speaking, or behavior.
• 핵인싸haek-inssaAn especially sociable group memberSomeone who fits in exceptionally well and socializes easily with others in a group.
• 햄부기haembugiA playful word for hamburgerA playful variation on 햄버거, also used in wordplay that strings together similar sounds.
• 할렐야루hallel-yaruA joyful exclamationAn upbeat interjection added when someone is in a good mood.
• 한달살기handalsalgiLiving somewhere for a monthA style of travel that involves staying in one place for around a month to experience daily life and explore.
• 헬시플레저healthy pleasureEnjoying healthy habitsA lifestyle of pursuing health and satisfaction together by making exercise, eating habits, and similar activities enjoyable.
• 헐heolWhoa or seriously?An exclamation used when someone is surprised or finds something hard to believe.
• 헌내기heonnaegiA returning university studentA student beyond the first year, such as a sophomore, junior, or senior, contrasted with a freshman.
• 흑역사heugyeoksaAn embarrassing pastPast failures, mistakes, or experiences someone would rather keep hidden or avoid bringing up.
• 흙수저heuksujeoGrowing up without financial advantagesA metaphor for someone facing persistent financial hardship because poverty is passed down through the family.
• 홈카페home cafeA cafe experience at homeA space at home arranged like a cafe, or the practice of making and enjoying coffee at home.
• 홈쿡home cookCooking at homePreparing food yourself at home.
• 홈캉스homecanceA vacation at homeSpending your vacation at home.
• 홈술homsulDrinking at homeDrinking alcohol at home. The cited articles include both drinking alone and drinking with family at home.
• 호프코어hopecoreHopeful, uplifting contentA meme label for videos, images, or other content that conveys positive thoughts and hope.
• 핫딜hot dealA very low-priced offerAn overseas-shopping term for a product offered at an especially low price.
• 휴먼인더루프human in the loopHuman judgment in an AI workflowA process in which a person participates and exercises judgment in work handled by AI.
• 이불킥ibulkikCringing at your own memoriesRemembering something embarrassing you said or did and wanting to kick the blankets in embarrassment.
• 이건 첫 번째 레슨igeon cheot beonjjae lessonThis is the first lessonA meme framing a small resolution or piece of advice as a grand lesson.
• 읽지 않음 난 모르는 일ilkji aneum nan moreuneun ilIf I don't read it, I don't know about itAn avoidance meme that plays innocent by suggesting that unread information is something you know nothing about.
• 인증샷injeungsyatA photo as proofA photo taken and posted online to show that a claim or action is real.
• 인생샷insaengsyatOne of your best-ever photosA photo of you that turns out exceptionally well—one of the best of your life.
• 이탈리안 브레인롯Italian brainrotItalian brainrotAn absurd video meme pairing strange AI-generated characters with unusual names and voices.
• 장원영OOJang Wonyoung OOAdding “Jang Wonyoung” as praiseA wordplay pattern that adds Jang Wonyoung's name before something attractive or well-made as a compliment.
• 젬민이JemminiSomeone who asks Gemini about everythingA lighthearted term for someone who leaves even small decisions to the AI service Gemini.
• 전라남도 여수시 소라면 사곡리 산94Jeollanam-do Yeosu-si Sora-myeon Sagok-ri san 94Sending an address as a heartA meme that indirectly expresses affection by sending an address that reveals a heart-shaped island on a map.
• 정주행jeongjuhaengWatching or reading from the beginningGoing through a series, such as a drama or webtoon, in order from the first episode or installment.
• 저속노화jeosok nohwaHealthy aging through everyday habitsA term for trying to age slowly and healthily by managing habits such as diet, sleep, and exercise.
• 지옥철jiokcheolA hellishly crowded subwayA figurative expression for a subway so crowded there is barely room to stand.
• 집콕jipkokStaying at homeStaying inside your home.
• 지름신jireumsinThe imaginary spirit of impulse buyingAn imaginary deity said to make people buy things impulsively, as in the expression “the spirit of impulse buying has descended.”
• 짤jjalAn image shared onlineAn image file circulated online, especially a funny photo or an animated image.
• 찐친jjinchinA truly close friendA friend you are genuinely close to, rather than someone you only seem close to.
• 족보jokboA collection of past exam questionsA university term for materials collecting questions that appeared on earlier exams.
• 조용한 퇴사joyonghan toesaQuiet quittingStaying in a job while working only within its defined duties and hours and declining overtime.
• 커터칼퇴keoteo kaltoeLeaving as early as office expectations allowLeaving work as early as possible while gauging others' reactions, even when leaving exactly on time is not possible.
• 킹받다kingbatdaReally getting on your nervesAn expression for feeling very annoyed or angry, formed by adding the emphatic 킹 to 열받다.
• 꼰대kkondaeA condescending authority figureA disparaging term for someone who acts authoritatively and imposes their own experiences or values on others.
• 꿀잼kkuljaemReally entertainingAn expression meaning that something is very fun or entertaining.
• 꿀조합kkuljohapA delicious combinationA combination of foods or menu items that taste especially good together, or a recipe using that combination.
• 꿀팁kkultipA useful tipAn especially useful piece of advice, information, or know-how.
• 쿨내kullaeGiving off a cool attitudeThe impression of a cool, relaxed attitude or atmosphere, as in “giving off a cool vibe.”
• L을 가져가L-eul gajyeogaTake the LA meme telling someone to accept a loss, often performed by copying a distinctive delivery and gesture.
• 라떼는latteneunBack in my dayA playful variation on 나 때는 말이야, used to poke fun at someone who keeps bringing up their past experiences.
• 레전드legendLegendaryAn expression for something so impressive it seems legendary, used to react to a remarkable scene or event.
• 럭키비키lucky VickyFinding your good luck in a setbackAn expression for finding the bright side of an unpleasant situation and treating yourself as lucky.
• 매끈매끈하다maekkeunmaekkeunhadaSmooth, smoothA repetitive meme that spread from a video teaching Korean adjectives through rhythm and choreography.
• 망고주스 밈mango juice memeThe mango-juice memeA meme that grew out of a prank testing whether an idol would trust a fan's words and act on them.
• 말차코어matchacoreMatcha-inspired styleA trend that extends an interest in matcha drinks and desserts to using matcha-green colors in clothes and accessories.
• 엠비스찬MBTIstianAn MBTI true believerA term for someone who believes in MBTI as firmly as if it were a religion.
• 밀키트meal kitA meal kitA package of prepared ingredients, seasonings, and a recipe for the buyer to cook at home.
• 밈memeAn internet memeA phrase, image, video, action, or other item that spreads as an internet trend, from the English word “meme.”
• 먹부림meokburimShowing off an appetiteBehavior that shows someone's enthusiasm for eating. Some explanations also include sharing or showing off food.
• 마이크로 은퇴micro retirementA temporary career breakTaking a period away from work to rest or regroup during a career, with the intention of returning to work.
• 마이크로맨스micromanceAffection in small everyday gesturesExpressing affection through small acts of care and everyday connection rather than grand events.
• 몰세권molsegwonLiving near a shopping mallA residential location with convenient access to a large shopping mall. Some articles also use it for commercial areas combining a rail station and a large mixed-use mall.
• 몸짱momjjangSomeone with a great physiqueA person described as having an attractive or well-developed physique.
• 못해솔로motaesolloTired of being singleSomeone expressing a desire to date because they no longer want to be alone.
• 무해력muhaeryeokThe comfort of harmless cutenessThe charm and comfort of something small, cute, and innocent that feels gentle rather than harmful or overstimulating.
• 무지출mujichulA no-spend daySpending no money, as in a no-spend challenge that aims to avoid even a tiny purchase for the day.
• 물성매력mulseong maeryeokThe appeal of tangible experiencesA tendency to value seeing, touching, and experiencing physical things even in a digital environment.
• N잡러N-japreoSomeone with multiple jobsA person who holds several jobs at the same time.
• N포세대N-po sedaeThe generation giving things upYoung people described as giving up on dating, marriage, having children, and other goals because of pressures such as a difficult job market and rising living costs.
• 내가 그걸 모를까naega geugeol moreulkkaYou think I don't know that?A meme used to snap back when someone knows what they should do but finds it hard to put into practice.
• 난리자베스nallijabeseuWhat a commotion!A playful exclamation used when something is especially surprising or chaotic.
• 나니가 스키nani ga sukiWhat do you like?A song-and-challenge meme in which people copy a question and answer about what someone likes.
• 넵병nepbyeongThe automatic “yes” habitA humorous description of office workers mechanically replying 넵 to their boss's messages all day.
• 노바이no buyA no-buy periodA practice of avoiding unnecessary purchases of new items for a set period.
• 노답nodapHopelessA frustrating situation with no apparent solution, or a person described that way.
• 뇌절noejeolTaking the joke too farA situation in which someone repeats a joke or behavior so much that it stops being entertaining.
• 뇌피셜noepisyeolAn opinion presented as factPresenting a personal idea as if it were a fact without an official basis.
• 노잼nojaemNot entertainingAn expression meaning that something is boring or not funny.
• 노지캠핑noji campingCamping in remote areasCamping in remote or out-of-the-way locations.
• 누가 내 간식을 먹었을까nuga nae gansigeul meogeosseulkkaWho ate my snack?A video meme combining eerie music with stiff, AI-generated dancing.
• 외모 체크oemo checkAppearance checkAn upbeat catchphrase about checking how you look, such as by looking in a mirror.
• 오히려 좋아ohiryeo joaActually, this could be a good thingAn expression for choosing to see a positive side even when something bad happens.
• 옴니보어omnivoreA consumer with wide-ranging tastesA consumer whose tastes cross conventional boundaries of age, gender, and culture.
• 오픈런open runWaiting for a store to openWaiting outside a store before opening time, then heading in as soon as the doors open to buy something.
• 오트로버트otrovertBeyond a simple introvert–extrovert labelAn expression for someone who feels that neither “introvert” nor “extrovert” alone describes them well.
• 폰테크phone techMaking money from phone resaleBuying a phone cheaply through subsidies or similar offers and reselling it for more to keep the difference.
• 픽셀라이프pixel lifeA life of small, varied choicesA way of living that quickly explores many small choices rather than relying on one major decision.
• 포기하겠습니다… 생각해보니 진행하겠습니다pogihagetseumnida… saenggakhaeboni jinhaenghagetseumnidaI give up… on second thought, I'll keep goingA meme sentence that announces giving up, then immediately reverses the decision, humorously expressing hesitation and indecision.
• 프라이스 디코딩price decodingLooking behind a priceA way of deciding what to buy by analyzing what makes up a price and applying your own standards.
• 레디코어readycoreMaking preparedness a way of lifeA tendency to make advance planning and management central to life in response to an uncertain future.
• 레알realReallyAn emphatic expression meaning “really.” The cited article explains it as a pronunciation based on the spelling of the English word “real.”
• 레드레드red redA playful sign of disapprovalAn expression for something disliked or best avoided, paired with 그린그린 to indicate likes and dislikes.
• 리셀resellReselling for a premiumBuying scarce items such as limited-edition or luxury products and selling them again at a higher price.
• 런트립run tripTravel built around runningA trip that combines running in a new place with sightseeing or local experiences.
• 런플루언서runfluencerA running influencerAn influencer who shares running experiences, routes, and other running-related content.
• 러닝크루running crewA running groupA group of running enthusiasts who meet regularly to run a planned route together.
• 러닝코어runningcoreRunning-inspired everyday fashionA fashion trend that combines running clothes or accessories with everyday outfits.
• 새내기saenaegiA newcomerSomeone who has just entered a university, workplace, or other organization.
• 사고방식을 바꾸세요sagobangsigeul bakkuseyoChange your way of thinkingA meme caption suggesting a casual, lighthearted response to a negative concern.
• 사이다saidaA satisfying resolution or comebackA satisfying resolution to a frustrating situation, or the relief of hearing someone say what needed to be said.
• 3일팅samiltingThree-day video datingA dating format in which people share short videos of their daily lives for three days before finding out whether the attraction is mutual.
• 삼포세대sampo sedaeThe generation giving up three thingsA label for a generation described as giving up on dating, marriage, and having children.
• 사수sasuA directly senior coworkerA senior colleague who works directly with someone at their workplace.
• 슬세권seulsegwonEveryday amenities a short walk awayA residential area where leisure spots and conveniences are close enough to visit in casual clothes such as slippers.
• 쉐이칸샹sheikansyangWho could have imagined it?An expression meaning “who could have imagined it?” that spread alongside Chinese animation with unexpected twists.
• 숏폼short formShort-form videoShort, concise video content.
• 숏셜링shortsialingA brief, one-off meetupA low-commitment gathering where people briefly come together for a shared experience and then go their separate ways.
• 67six-sevenThe six-seven memeAn internet catchphrase pronounced “six-seven.” It has no fixed meaning and is used as a reaction or a way of joining in on a shared trend.
• 슬립맥싱sleepmaxxingTrying to optimize sleepA lifestyle trend of closely managing sleep habits and surroundings to improve sleep quality as much as possible.
• 슬로우러닝slow runningRunning at a sustainable paceRunning slowly at an intensity that can be maintained comfortably, with less emphasis on speed or records.
• 소버 큐리어스sober curiousExploring social life with less alcoholAn attitude of consciously reducing or avoiding alcohol while exploring enjoyment and socializing without intoxication.
• 소버 이코노미sober economySpending beyond drinking cultureAn economic trend in which activities such as exercise, cafe visits, and experiences fill the space left by fewer drinking gatherings.
• 스포일러spoilerRevealing a story in advanceRevealing plot details before someone watches or reads a work. It can also refer to a person who gives away a movie's ending and spoils the experience.
• 썸sseomMutual interest before datingA relationship or stage in which two people are attracted to each other and getting close before becoming a couple.
• 썸남sseomnamA guy you're in the pre-dating stage withA man someone is getting close to romantically before they officially date.
• 수면이혼sumyeon ihonSleep divorceA figurative term for couples or partners who sleep in separate rooms or beds.
• 숲세권supsegwonLiving near green spaceA residential location close to natural green spaces such as parks or forests.
• 탕진잼tangjinjaemThe joy of small splurgesFinding enjoyment in small, nonessential purchases rather than large-scale spending.
• 토핑경제topping economyPersonalizing purchases with extrasA consumption trend of adding decorations or optional features to an existing product to make it your own.
• 딸깍ttalkkakResults at the click of a buttonGetting a result through a simple action with little effort, including easily producing something with AI.
• 떡밥tteokbapHints that invite interpretationAmbiguous clues or metaphors in lyrics or props that leave room for interpretation. The term is also used for film details that hint at developments in other works.
• 떡상tteoksangA sharp price surgeA sudden, steep rise in a market price.
• 뚜벅이ttubeogiGetting around without a carA colloquial term for someone who walks or uses public transportation because they do not drive or own a car.
• 투잡two jobsWorking two jobsOne person holding two jobs.
• 저소비 코어underconsumption coreMaking the most of what you already ownA way of living that cuts unnecessary spending, uses existing possessions for longer, and shares that practice with others.
• 운동 많이 된다undong mani doendaWell, this is quite a workoutA meme used to offer encouragement or calmly endure a difficult situation.
• 언택트untactWithout face-to-face contactA term referring to interactions or activities that take place without meeting or making contact in person.
• 웃프다utpeudaFunny and sad at the same timeAn expression for something that is both funny and sad, also used in the adjective form 웃픈.
• 빌런villainA villain or a troublesome personA villain in a movie or comic. It is also used jokingly for someone whose behavior causes trouble for others.
• 브이로그vlogA video diaryVideo content recording someone's everyday life.
• 와 너 정말 핵심을 찔렀어wa neo jeongmal haeksimeul jjilleosseoWow, you really nailed the pointA meme imitating the overly affirming tone of an AI chatbot.
• 원영적 사고Wonyoungjeok sagoFinding the bright side, Wonyoung-styleA way of thinking that finds something positive even in an inconvenient or disappointing situation.
• 워케이션workationWorking from a vacation destinationA way of combining work and leisure while staying at a vacation destination at home or abroad.
• 월요병woryobyeongThe Monday bluesPhysical or mental fatigue and a lack of energy associated with Mondays.
• 야르yareuA shout of excitementAn exclamation of happiness or excitement. More recently, forms such as 야르하다 are also used to describe something positively.
• 역세권yeoksegwonLiving near a train or subway stationAn area close to a railway or subway station.
• 욜로YOLOYou only live onceAn attitude of prioritizing happiness in the present because you only live once, from the English abbreviation “YOLO.”
• 윤정아 챌린지Yunjeonga challengeThe Yunjeong-a challengeA two-person dance skit built around calling someone's name and receiving the reply 왜요 쌤, meaning “yes, teacher?” or “what is it, teacher?”
• 제로클릭zero clickAnswers without clicking search resultsA phenomenon in which users click search results much less often because AI presents an answer first.
• ㅋㅋㅋㄹㅌㅅLaughter with a CORTIS referenceA fandom expression that adds the initial consonants of the group name CORTIS to the laughter marker ㅋㅋㅋ.
• ㅠㅠCrying eyesA crying emoticon made from the Korean vowel symbol ㅠ, whose shape resembles an eye with tears.

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