Korean slang profile

헌내기

heonnaegi

A returning university student

A student beyond the first year, such as a sophomore, junior, or senior, contrasted with a freshman.

This is the earliest source we have verified, not the date the term was coined.

01Examples, with English translations

Example by Julimmal
새내기들 보니까 우리도 헌내기 다 됐네.
Seeing the freshmen makes me realize we're the older students now.
Quoted from a source
1학년을 새내기라고 부르는 것과 대비해 2·3·4학년 등을 일컫는 말.[2]
A term for second-, third-, and fourth-year university students, contrasted with first-year newcomers.
English translation by Julimmal.

March 2006Handae Newspaper: “헌내기, 2nd, 3rd, and 4th graders are no exception.”[1]
March 2016A term for second-, third-, and fourth-year university students, contrasted with first-year newcomers.[2]

Where the expression originated has not been verified. The 2016 source from Money Today only explains the meaning.

Evidence for the origin explanationLow

The meaning is supported, but the sources do not explain how the expression was formed.

Original titles and links are preserved. An English translation does not replace the original source.