Korean Slang Dictionary
Heard 대박, 킹받다, or 갓생 in a K-drama, a K-pop live, or the comments and wondered what it means? Here are 201 Korean slang and trend words with plain-English meanings, romanization, example sentences with translations, and a listen button. Newest slang comes first.
201 words
- 영크크 YeongkeukeuYoung-and-current energy. If you don’t know it, you’re 늙크크.
- 늙크크 NeulkkeukeuThe anti-영크크 — outdated taste, or “you’re old for not knowing this.”
- 야르 YareuA delighted “yar!” — a 2026 short-form cheer.
- 샤갈 SyagalA softened “what the—” for annoyance. Short-form stand-in for swearing.
- 젬민이 JemminiSomeone who outsources every tiny decision to Gemini (or any AI).
- 커터칼퇴 Keoteo-kaltoeNot a clean 칼퇴 — leaving a bit early after reading the room.
- 엠비스찬 EmbiseuchanSomeone who treats MBTI like scripture.
- 톤망진창 TonmangjinchangMakeup or outfit tones in chaos — nothing matches.
- 기카노보 GikanoboStock camera, no retouch — the original photo.
- 할렐야르 Hallel-yareuHallelujah + 야르 — a bigger cheer than a plain 야르.
- 밤티 BamtiMeh / tacky / not cute — a short-form dunk.
- 뇌빼드 NoeppaedeuBrain-off viewing — comfort junk content you don’t overthink.
- 아자스 AjasuThanks — clipped from Japanese arigato gozaimasu.
- 기대컨 Gidae-keonExpectation control — lower the hype so you can’t be crushed.
- 하면해 HamyeonhaeInitials for “하면 해?” — a playful yes to a GMG-style plan.
- 고맙투우사 GomaptuusaThanks + matador — a COWCOW gag where you wave red and charge in.
- 누가 돌아왔게 Nuga-dorawatgePaliachi’s booming “guess who’s back” drop — reused as an audio meme.
- 거제 야호 Geoje-yahoRESCENE Minami’s “Geoje yaho” gal greeting — brash, cute, almost context-free.
- 그린그린 GeuringeurinFrom CORTIS lyrics: green-green for a yes, red-red for a no.
- 과자 사꾸 Gwaja-sakkuSnack-pack letter collage — spell a message with packaging type.
- 윤정아 왜요 쌤 Yunjeonga-waeyo-ssaemA comic “why, teacher?” audio meme for panic or overcommitment.
- 위아원 처하자 Weareone-cheohajaWe-are-one “just do it” sarcasm — I’m already doing the thing too hard.
- 동엽이 DongyeobiA one-track enthusiast — LP-only, that-one-shop-only, no plan B.
- 난리자베스 NallijabeseuChaos with a beat — a messy, loud scene turned into a nickname.
- 마라탕 MaratangPlayful nickname for elementary kids, used instead of harsher 잼민이.
- 쌍화탕 SsanghwatangThe grown-up counterpart to 마라탕 — a teasing label for older folks.
- 이코노미한 Ikonomi-hanEconomy-class price, boutique mood — cheap but it still looks expensive.
- 트랄랄레로 트랄랄라 Trallallero-trallallaItalian-sounding AI mashup meme — animals, objects, nonsense names.
- 클랭커 KeullaengkeoSlang dunk on robots/AI — dismissive, so keep it off brand copy.
- 브레인롯 BeureinrotBrain rot — scrolling junk short-form until your thoughts go mushy.
- 팬텀핑 PaenteompingPhantom ping — you feel a notification that never happened.
- 아우라파밍 Aura-pamingAura farming — staging coolness on purpose to stack social points.
- 회크닉 HoekeunikA “sashimi picnic” — takeout raw fish from the fish market eaten at Hangang Park; fall’s rival to chimaek.
- 줴줴이야 Jwejweiya“GG” said in a warped, sing-song way when things fall apart; spread from SOOP streamer Jeoradet’s LoL streams.
- 팬은 아님 Paeneun anim“Not a fan, though” — tacked onto gushing praise as a joke that the denial proves the love; spread via Swings posts.
- 퇴사할게여 ToesahalgeyeoFrom Soyeon’s solo song “퇴사할게여” (“I’m quitting”); office-worker resignation memes and “I’ll ___” parodies.
- 부캉이 BukangiNickname for the shark that showed up in a canal at Busan’s North Port; spread into web games, goods, and brand marketing.
- 이혼앤비혼 IhonaenbihonA mishearing meme: the chorus of A2O LITE’s debut song “NEON” sounds like “divorce and non-marriage.”
- 가난하게 컸어? Gananhage keosseo?“Did you grow up poor?” — a line from the 2022 drama Little Women, revived as a teasing reaction to penny-pinching.
- 영원할 건가 보다 Yeongwonhal geonga boda“Guess it’s forever” — a Reels meme pairing a Twenty-Five Twenty-One line with a song, used ironically for never-ending struggles.
- 알파세대 Alpha generationGeneration Alpha, born in the 2010s+; after Gen Z.
- 느좋 Neujot“The vibe is good.” Used for outfits, cafes, playlists.
- 감다살 GamdasalYour instincts are alive — that was a perfect call.
- 감다뒤 GamdadwiYour instincts are dead — that missed completely.
- 테토남 Tetonam“Testosterone-type” guy — a dating-personality meme, not science.
- 테토녀 Tetonyeo“Testosterone-type” woman in the teto/egen dating meme.
- 에겐남 Egen-nam“Estrogen-type” guy in the teto/egen meme — softer, more emotional-coded.
- 에겐녀 Egen-nyeo“Estrogen-type” woman — the most-quoted half of the 2025 teto/egen craze.
- GMG GMGInitials for “가면 가?” — “Shall we go? I’m going.”
- 막나귀 MaknagwiYou were about to go out, then laziness won.
- 위쑤시개 WissusigaeSpicy food as a stress toothpick — tteokbokki or malatang to cope.
- 추구미 ChugumiThe look you’re going for — your target aesthetic.
- 캘박 KaelbakPin it on the calendar — lock the plan in.
- 테무인간 TemuinganA Temu person — busy output, cheap-looking quality.
- 나 최미나수예요 Na-choeminasu-yeyoSolo Hell 5 line — a jokey flex of unshakable self-worth.
- 무지컬 MujikeolNo brain, no body — BDNS coinage for drained, useless-feeling mode.
- 밥플릭스 BappeullikseuDinner-and-Netflix as a single ritual — picking the show takes longer than cooking.
- 한풀루언서 Hanpullu-eonseoA sigh influencer — someone whose sighs spread fatigue around the room.
- 손절미 SonjeolmiA soft deal-breaker — funny, not furious, but you’re backing away.
- 랜선생님 RaenseonsaengnimAn anonymous online teacher — a comment that actually rewires you.
- 텍스트힙 TekseuteuhipText as hip — reading and writing worn as a trendy cultural look.
- 이모카세 ImokaseAuntie omakase — the house keeps sending Korean anju, no menu needed.
- 하플심 HapeulsimMust-flex-today energy — spending as a personality, not a budget.
- 딜루루 DilluruDelulu — cheerful delusion, especially in fandom hope-posting.
- 럭키비키 ReokibikiSpin any mishap as lucky — from Jang Wonyoung’s “Lucky Vicky” meme.
- 과몰입 GwamolimOver-investing emotionally in a story, ship, or argument.
- 금쪽이 GeumjjogiA cute nickname for your own messy, sensitive inner kid.
- 무지출챌린지 Mujichul challengeA no-spend challenge for a set period.
- 폼미쳤다 Pom-michyeotdaYour form is unhinged (in a good way); peak performance.
- N잡 N-jobHolding several gigs besides a main job.
- 중꺾마 JungkkeokmaNever give up — short for “what matters is a heart that doesn’t break.”
- 오픈런 Open-runSprinting to the door at opening time for a sold-out drop.
- 워케이션 WorkationWorking from a vacation spot.
- 저메추 Jeomechu“Recommend a dinner menu.”
- 점메추 Jeommechu“Recommend a lunch menu.”
- 조용한퇴사 Joyonghan-toesaQuiet quitting — still employed, but no extra passion.
- 챌린지 ChallengeA short-form follow-along trend.
- MZ MZMarketing mashup of Millennials + Gen Z. Many people hate the label.
- 갓생 GatsaengA “god-tier” productive life: waking early, working out, staying disciplined.
- 억텐 EoktenForced, fake-high energy.
- 찐텐 JjintenReal, unforced hype — the opposite of 억텐.
- 킹받다 KingbaddaSo annoying it’s funny; a punchier “I’m heated.”
- 어쩔티비 Eojjeol-TVKid-slang clapback: “so what? / watcha gonna do?” Can sound childish.
- 가즈아 GajuaTO THE MOON — a crypto/investing rally cry.
- 네카라쿠배 NekarakubaeKorea’s dream IT employers: Naver, Kakao, Line, Coupang, Baemin.
- 뇌절 NojeolBrain-off nonsense; saying something unhinged.
- 떡락 TteoknakA price crash; the opposite of 떡상.
- 떡상 TteoksangA price or hype moonshot.
- 랜선 LaenseonOnline-only: LAN-cable travel, LAN-cable friends.
- 리셀 ResellFlipping limited drops for profit.
- 밈 MemeAn internet meme: copy, remix, repeat.
- 번아웃 BurnoutBurned out; empty tank.
- 벼락거지 ByeorakgeojiFeeling suddenly poor because asset prices jumped without you.
- 본캐 BonkaeMain character / day job identity. Opposite of 부캐.
- 부캐 BukaeAlt character; a side identity besides your main job.
- 불멍 BulmeongZoning out at a campfire — fire-gazing as rest.
- 영끌 YeongkkeulScraping together every loan and won to buy a home or asset.
- 좋댓알 JokdaetalCreator ask: like, comment, and hit the bell.
- 집콕 JipkokStaying glued to home; a nest day.
- 카공 KagongStudying or working at a café.
- 코인 CoinCrypto, in everyday talk.
- 플러팅 FlirtingLight flirting signals.
- 호캉스 HokangseuA staycation at a hotel instead of flying out.
- 혼코노 HonkonoSolo coin-karaoke session.
- 홈트 HomteuHome training; working out at home.
- 오운완 O-un-wan“Workout done today” — a gym check-in brag.
- 만반잘부 ManbanjalbuCasual hello: “Nice to meet you, please take care of me.”
- 마상 MasangA tiny emotional wound; “that actually hurt a little.”
- ㄹㅇ Real / reongFor real. ㄹㅇㅋㅋ = “true lol.”
- 라떼 Latte“Latte is the word” — mocking “back in my day” lectures.
- 자만추 JamanchuWanting to meet someone “naturally,” not on a setup. Often doesn’t happen.
- 최애 ChoeaeYour ultimate bias; the favorite in a fandom.
- 플렉스 FlexShowing off money, fits, or wins.
- 꾸안꾸 KkuankkuLooking effortlessly put-together; “done up but not trying too hard.”
- 스불재 SeubuljaeA disaster you brought on yourself, said with a shrug.
- 가심비 GasimbiPaying for the feeling, not just the specs.
- 내로남불 NaeronambulRules for thee, not for me; hypocritical double standard.
- 소확행 SohwakhaengSmall but certain happiness; tiny reliable joys.
- ㅇㅈ Injung / yjFacts; I acknowledge that.
- 클라스 ClassThat’s a different class; next-level.
- 탈덕 TaldeokLeaving a fandom; unstanning.
- 프로불편러 Pro-bulpyeonleoSomeone who is professionally offended by small things (satirical).
- 핵인싸 HaekinssaAn ultra-insider; the center of every circle.
- 혼영 HonyeongGoing to the movies alone.
- 힐링 HealingRest that actually restores you (overused in ads).
- TMI TMIToo Much Information — extra details nobody asked for.
- 갑분싸 GapbunssaThe vibe dies instantly; the room goes awkward.
- 존버 JonbeoHold on no matter how bad it gets (vulgar-ish; avoid in formal settings).
- 손절 SonjeolCut someone off for good (from “cut your losses” in stocks).
- 현생 HyeonsaengReal life — the adulting that interrupts fandom or games.
- 갑질 GapjilBossy abuse of power by whoever holds the upper hand.
- 공시생 GongsisaengSomeone studying for the civil-service exam.
- 레전드 LegendLegendary — a scene you’ll quote forever, for better or worse.
- 스벅 SeubuckStarbucks, Korea’s default meetup café.
- 아싸 AssaOutsider; the opposite of 인싸.
- 와꾸 WakkuSomeone’s face / looks, casually (a bit rough).
- 월급루팡 Wolgeup-lupinA Lupin who collects a paycheck and does little work.
- 잠수이별 Jamsu-ibyeolGhosting as a breakup; disappearing underwater.
- 존잘 JonjalRidiculously good-looking (vulgar-ish).
- 집돌이 JipdoriA homebody (집순이 is the feminine form).
- 취준생 ChwijunsaengA job-seeker grinding applications.
- 칼퇴 KaltoeClocking out on the dot, like a knife.
- 팩폭 PaekpokFact-punch; brutal honesty with receipts.
- 프로불참러 Pro-bulchamleoA professional no-show; always skips the hangout.
- 핑프 PingpeuA “finger princess/prince” who asks instead of googling.
- 혼술 HonsulDrinking alone, on purpose.
- 워라밸 WorabelWork-life balance.
- 인싸 InssaAn insider; the person who is in every group chat.
- 관종 GwanjongAn attention-seeker (dismissive).
- 답정너 DapjeongneoA question that already has the answer; you’re just supposed to agree.
- 선팔 SeonpalFollowing someone first, before they know you.
- 실화냐 SilhwanyaIs this real life?? Used for wild prices or plot twists.
- 어장관리 Eojang-gwanriKeeping several people on the hook like fish in a tank.
- 오졌따 OjyeottaMid-2010s “that’s insane / fire.”
- 욜로 YOLOYou Only Live Once — spend/live now.
- 이생망 IsaengmangThis life is already ruined — jokey doom.
- 텅장 TeongjangEmpty bank account energy.
- 핵노잼 HaeknojaemNuclear levels of boring.
- 가성비 GaseongbiBang for your buck; value for money.
- 금수저 GeumsujeoBorn with a golden spoon; inherited privilege.
- 남사친 NamsachinA guy friend who is not a boyfriend.
- 득템 DeuktemScored a rare item; loot acquired.
- 맞팔 MatpalMutual follow.
- 앙기모띠 AnggimottiGoofy 2010s “feels good” meme pronunciation. Dated.
- 여사친 YeosachinA girl friend who is not a girlfriend.
- 지름신 JireumsinThe impulse-buy god that possesses you at checkout.
- 헬조선 HeljoseonHell Joseon — a bitter nickname for hyper-competitive Korea.
- 흙수저 HeuksujeoDirt spoon; starting with no inherited wealth.
- 현타 HyeontaA sudden crash back to reality after a binge or high.
- 입덕 IpdeokFalling into a fandom; catching the bug for an idol/show/hobby.
- 덕질 DeokjilHardcore fan activity; going all-in on what you love.
- 아아 AaIced americano — the default Korean café order.
- 존맛탱 JonmattaengRidiculously delicious (vulgar-ish; JMT for short).
- 노잼 NojaemNot fun; a total snooze.
- 꿀잼 KkuljaemHoney-level fun; a blast.
- 꼰대 KkondaeA preachy, “back in my day” authority figure; a boomer-type lecture.
- 혼밥 HonbapEating alone — now a normal lifestyle, not a sad label.
- 역대급 YeokdaegeupAll-time level — the most X ever (good or bad).
- 불금 BulgeumTGIF energy; a burning Friday night.
- 수포자 SupojaSomeone who gave up on math class (영포자 = English).
- 심쿵 SimkungHeart-thud crush moment.
- 썸 SomeThe undefined almost-dating stage; “we’re talking.”
- 짤 JjalA reaction image / meme still.
- 멘붕 MenbungMental collapse; brain short-circuit from shock.
- 밀당 MildangPush-and-pull dating games.
- ㄷㄷ Dddd / deoldeolShivering in awe or shock; “whoa.”
- 레알 RealOlder slang for “real,” from English.
- 잉여 IngyeoA surplus human; proudly (or sadly) wasting time.
- 헐 HeolWait WHAT — a short gasp of surprise.
- 낚시 NakksiClickbait; a bait-and-switch title.
- 대박 DaebakJackpot / insane — wow in a good or bad way.
- 안습 AnseupTragicomic “my eyes are moist” — that’s rough, buddy.
- ㄱㄱ Gg / gogoLet’s go; start; proceed.
- ㄴㄴ Nn / nonoNope; nah.
- ㅂㅂ Bb / bye-byeBye, in initial-consonant chat slang.
- ㅇㅇ Ungung / yyYep. Can feel cold if it’s too short.
- ㅎㅇ Hi / ha-iHi, in initial-consonant chat slang.
- ㅎㅎ Hhh / heuheuA softer laugh than ㅋㅋ; more polite amusement.
- ㅋㅋ Kkk / kekekeKorean lol — the basic laugh in chat.
- 방가방가 BanggabanggaCutesy “nice to meet you” from early Korean internet.
- 즐 JeulOnce “have fun”; later a sarcastic PC-era goodbye.