Korean Slang You Need to Know in 2024
Korean Slang You Need to Know in 2024
If you’re learning Korean or just love K-pop and K-dramas, you've probably heard some slang that left you scratching your head. Korean slang is constantly evolving, and if you want to sound like a native (or just impress your friends), you've got to stay up to date!
Let’s dive into some of the trendiest Korean slang words and phrases in 2024 that’ll make you sound effortlessly cool.
1. "꾸안꾸" (Kku-an-kku) – Looking Effortlessly Stylish
Ever see someone who looks like they didn’t try too hard but still looks amazing? That’s 꾸안꾸! It stands for 꾸민 듯 안 꾸민 듯, meaning “styled but not styled.” Basically, it’s that effortless “I woke up like this” vibe.
Example:
"오늘 꾸안꾸 룩 완전 성공했어!"
(Today, I totally nailed the effortless chic look!)
2. "스불재" (Seu-bul-jae) – Self-Fulfilling Prophecy
This phrase stands for "스스로 불러온 재앙", meaning a disaster you brought upon yourself. It’s perfect for when you procrastinate and regret it later.
Example:
"시험 공부 안 했는데 스불재야..."
(I didn’t study for the test, and now I’m doomed…)
3. "머선 129" (Meo-seon il-i-gu) – What’s Going On?!
A fun way to say “What in the world?!” This slang started from a mispronounced phrase in a Korean dialect and has become a social media favorite.
Example:
"머선 129? 저 가격 진짜야?"
(What’s going on? Is that price for real?)
4. "오운완" (O-woon-wan) – Workout Completed
Short for 오늘 운동 완료, which means “Today’s workout is done.” Fitness enthusiasts use this on social media after crushing their workout routines.
Example:
"오운완! 이제 치킨 먹자!"
(Workout done! Now let’s eat chicken!)
5. "잼민이" (Jaem-min-i) – Kiddo (But Funny)
Originally referring to younger kids who play online games, this term is now widely used to describe any overly excited or childish behavior.
Example:
"너 잼민이 같아, 좀 진정해!"
(You’re acting like a kid, calm down!)
6. "뇌절" (Noe-jeol) – Overdoing It
This means going overboard with something, whether it’s talking too much, overthinking, or posting endless selfies.
Example:
"이 밈 이제 뇌절이야, 그만해!"
(This meme is overdone, stop it already!)
7. "갑통알" (Gap-tong-al) – Heartbreak from Unexpected News
Short for "갑자기 통장을 보니 알바를 해야겠다", meaning “Suddenly looking at my bank account makes me realize I need a part-time job.” Ouch, we’ve all been there.
Example:
"월급 받고 갑통알 상태야..."
(I just got my paycheck, and I’m already broke…)
8. "어쩔티비" (Eojjeol TV) – Whatever, I Don't Care
A trendy clapback used mostly by younger people when they don’t want to argue. It’s like saying “Whatever” with some attitude.
Example:
"너 숙제 안 했지?"
"어쩔티비~"
(You didn’t do your homework, did you?)
(Whatever~)
9. "박제" (Bak-je) – Screenshotted for Eternity
Used when someone takes a screenshot or saves an embarrassing moment to never forget (or use later).
Example:
"너 실수한 거 박제했다!"
(I screenshotted your mistake!)
10. "내또출" (Nae-tto-chul) – Here We Go Again
Short for "내일 또 출근", which means “Back to work tomorrow.” Perfect for complaining about Mondays.
Example:
"벌써 일요일 밤이야... 내또출."
(It’s already Sunday night… here we go again.)
11. "알잘딱깔센" (Al-jal-ttak-kkal-sen) – Be Smart and Efficient
This abbreviation stands for "알아서 잘 딱 깔끔하고 센스있게", meaning “Do it properly, neatly, and with sense.” Often used when delegating tasks.
Example:
"보고서 알잘딱깔센으로 해줘!"
(Do the report properly and with style!)
12. "스밍" (Seu-ming) – Streaming Music
Shortened from 스트리밍, it refers to continuously streaming your favorite artist’s music (especially for chart rankings).
Example:
"BTS 신곡 나왔어! 스밍하자!"
(BTS’s new song is out! Let’s stream it!)
13. "TMI" (Too Much Information, Korean Style)
Yes, Koreans use TMI too! But they often use it when sharing random or trivial facts about themselves, not just oversharing.
Example:
"오늘 TMI: 점심에 김밥 먹었어."
(Today’s TMI: I ate kimbap for lunch.)
14. "웃안웃" (Ut-an-ut) – Funny But Not Funny
Used when something is amusing but also frustrating at the same time. Kind of like “I’m laughing, but I’m not.”
Example:
"시험 망했어... 웃안웃이네."
(I totally failed the test... funny but not funny.)
15. "킹받네" (King-badne) – So Annoying It’s Funny
A mix of "King" and the Korean word for annoyed (열받네). It’s used when someone is both annoyed and impressed by someone’s audacity.
Example:
"와, 너 진짜 킹받게 하네."
(Wow, you’re seriously annoying but kinda impressive.)
Final Thoughts
Korean slang is constantly changing, and staying updated will help you connect better with native speakers (and impress your friends!). Whether you're texting your Korean friends, chatting on social media, or just trying to understand the latest memes, these slang words will help you stay in the loop.
Which slang word is your favorite? Drop it in the comments below! 😊
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