Korean slang evolves faster than a BTS dance routine. If you’re still using outdated phrases, you’ll stick out like a 손님 (guest) at a hipster café. Here’s the 2024 update.
1. 꾸안꾸 (ggu-an-ggu)
꾸안꾸
/k͈u.an.k͈u/“Intentionally messy but stylish”
Used to describe fashion or aesthetics that appear effortless but are actually calculated. If someone says your outfit is 꾸안꾸, take it as a compliment.
2. 갑분싸 (gap-bun-ssa)
갑분싸
[ka̠p̚p͈uns͈a̠]“Awkward silence”
The Korean equivalent of 'crickets'. If you’ve ever witnessed a 갑분싸, you know the pain. Pro tip: Have a meme ready to break the tension.
3. 삼귀다 (sam-gwi-da)
삼귀다
/sam.ɡwi.da/“To be in the pre-dating phase”
Not quite dating, not just friends. It’s the 'we’re texting all night but haven’t DTR’d' limbo. Common in K-dramas and real-life confusion.
4. 알잘알 (al-jal-al)
알잘알
/al.dʑal.al/“Know-it-all (positive)”
Unlike the English 'know-it-all', this is a compliment. If your Korean friend calls you 알잘알, you’ve earned their respect.
5. 오저치고? (o-jeo-chi-go?)
오저치고
/o.dʑʌ.tɕʰi.go/“Wanna grab dinner?”
The holy grail of casual plans. If you’re not down for 오저치고, are you even living?
Why This Matters
Slang isn’t just vocabulary - it’s cultural fluency. If you want to understand Korean humor, memes, or even the wittiest expressions in pop culture, you need this toolkit.
Now go forth and stop sounding like a 2016 textbook.
