Language is a living entity that evolves with time, reflecting the social, cultural, and technological shifts of society. Korean, like any other language, has seen significant changes in its lexicon, especially with the rise of the millennial generation. Millennials have introduced a plethora of new terms and expressions that are now integral to contemporary Korean communication. For language learners and enthusiasts, understanding these terms can provide a deeper insight into Korean culture and enhance conversational skills. In this article, we will explore the top 10 Korean millennial terms you need to know.
1. 헐 (Heol)
One of the most versatile expressions in modern Korean is 헐 (Heol). This term is an exclamation that can convey a range of emotions, including surprise, shock, disbelief, and even disappointment. It is often used in response to unexpected news or situations. For example, if someone says they lost their wallet, a typical response might be “헐!” indicating shock or disbelief.
Usage:
A: “I just saw a celebrity on the street!”
B: “헐, 정말?” (Heol, jeongmal?) – “Really?”
2. 대박 (Daebak)
The term 대박 (Daebak) is another widely used expression among Korean millennials. It originally meant “jackpot” but has evolved to mean something amazing, awesome, or incredible. It can be used to describe a successful event, a surprising outcome, or something that exceeds expectations.
Usage:
A: “I got tickets to the BTS concert!”
B: “대박!” (Daebak!) – “Awesome!”
3. 꿀잼 (Kkuljaem) / 노잼 (Nojaem)
These two terms are often used together to describe the level of enjoyment or fun. 꿀잼 (Kkuljaem) literally translates to “honey fun,” meaning something is very enjoyable or entertaining. On the other hand, 노잼 (Nojaem) means “no fun” and is used to describe something boring or uninteresting.
Usage:
A: “How was the movie?”
B: “꿀잼이었어!” (Kkuljaemieosseo!) – “It was so much fun!”
A: “How was the lecture?”
B: “노잼…” (Nojaem…) – “It was boring…”
4. 멘붕 (Menbung)
The term 멘붕 (Menbung) is a combination of the words “mental” and “붕괴” (bunggoe), which means collapse. It is used to describe a state of mental breakdown or extreme confusion. This term is often employed when someone is overwhelmed by a situation or doesn’t know how to react.
Usage:
A: “I have three exams tomorrow, and I haven’t studied at all.”
B: “멘붕이네…” (Menbungine…) – “That’s a mental breakdown…”
5. 갑 (Gap)
In traditional Korean, 갑 (Gap) refers to the first position in a ranking system. Among millennials, it has taken on a new meaning, signifying someone who has the upper hand or is in a dominant position. It’s often used in the context of power dynamics, whether in personal relationships or professional settings.
Usage:
A: “She always gets her way in meetings.”
B: “완전 갑이야.” (Wanjeon gabiya.) – “She’s totally in control.”
6. 행쇼 (Haengsyo)
This term is a shortened form of “행복하십시오” (Haengbokhasipsiyo), which means “Be happy.” 행쇼 (Haengsyo) is a casual, friendly way to wish someone happiness and is often used among friends to spread positive vibes.
Usage:
A: “I’m feeling down today.”
B: “괜찮아, 행쇼!” (Gwaenchana, haengsyo!) – “It’s okay, be happy!”
7. 사바사 (Sabasa)
The term 사바사 (Sabasa) is an abbreviation of “사람 by 사람” (Saram by saram), which translates to “person by person.” This expression is used to highlight that everyone is different and that individual preferences and behaviors vary.
Usage:
A: “I don’t understand why she likes that movie.”
B: “사바사지.” (Sabasaji.) – “Everyone’s different.”
8. 얼죽아 (Eoljuk-a)
얼죽아 (Eoljuk-a) is an abbreviation of “얼어 죽어도 아이스” (Eoreo jug-eodo aiseu), which means “I’d rather freeze to death than not have ice.” This term is used to describe people who prefer iced drinks regardless of the weather, even in the freezing cold.
Usage:
A: “It’s snowing outside, and you’re still drinking iced coffee?”
B: “얼죽아.” (Eoljuk-a.) – “I’d rather freeze than not have ice.”
9. TMI (Too Much Information)
While “TMI” is an English acronym, it has been adopted into Korean millennial slang with the same meaning: providing more information than is necessary or wanted. It’s often used humorously when someone shares overly detailed personal information.
Usage:
A: “I had pizza for lunch, then I went to the gym, and now I’m watching TV.”
B: “TMI…” – “Too much information…”
10. 고구마 (Goguma) / 사이다 (Saida)
These two terms are used to describe types of people or situations. 고구마 (Goguma), which means “sweet potato,” is used to describe someone who is frustratingly slow or a situation that is suffocating. On the other hand, 사이다 (Saida), meaning “cider” (similar to soda), describes someone who is refreshing and straightforward, or a situation that provides relief.
Usage:
A: “He takes forever to make a decision.”
B: “완전 고구마야.” (Wanjeon gogumaya.) – “He’s such a sweet potato.”
A: “She always speaks her mind.”
B: “사이다 같아.” (Saidagata.) – “She’s like cider.”
Conclusion
Language is a powerful tool that mirrors the zeitgeist of its time. The millennial generation in Korea has significantly influenced the modern Korean lexicon, adding a layer of vibrancy and relevance to everyday communication. Understanding these terms not only helps in grasping the nuances of contemporary Korean conversations but also provides a window into the cultural and social dynamics of Korean millennials.
By incorporating these terms into your vocabulary, you’ll not only sound more fluent but also connect more deeply with native speakers. So, the next time you find yourself in a conversation with a Korean millennial, don’t hesitate to use these expressions. You’ll likely find that they resonate well and add a touch of authenticity to your interactions.
Happy learning and 행쇼!
