University / Advanced - Year 2
Lesson 3: Slang & Neologisms
신조어 (Newly Coined Words)
The Living Language
Korean changes *fast*, especially thanks to internet culture. `신조어` are words created so often that even native speakers sometimes need to look them up!
They are most often **줄임말 (abbreviations)** or fusions of Korean and English words. Learning them is key to understanding modern K-Dramas, K-Pop, and everyday conversation with young people.
Common Slang You'll Hear
아아 (Ah-Ah)
Short for: 아이스 아메리카노
(Iced Americano)
"아아 한 잔 주세요." (One Iced Americano, please.)
인싸 (In-ssa)
From English: "Insider"
An insider; a popular person who is always in the loop.
The opposite is `아싸` (Ah-ssa), from "Outsider."
꾸안꾸 (Kku-an-kku)
Short for: 꾸민 듯 안 꾸민 듯
(Styled as if you didn't style)
Used for a natural, "effortless" fashion look.
먹방 (Meok-bang)
Combination: 먹는 방송
(Eating Broadcast)
A global phenomenon that started in Korea!
존맛탱 (Jon-mat-taeng)
Combination: 존나 맛있는 + 탱
(F***ing delicious)
A very strong, informal way to say something is amazing. Often shortened to `JMT`.
불금 (Bul-geum)
Short for: 불타는 금요일
(Burning Friday)
The feeling of "T.G.I.F!" Time to go out!
You've Completed the Curriculum!
From `ㄱ, ㄴ, ㄷ` to `꾸안꾸`... you've done it!
You have built an incredible foundation, from the building blocks of Hangul to the complex rules of academic writing and the fast-paced slang of modern Seoul.
This is not the end—it's the true beginning. Your next step is to use this knowledge. Read the storybooks, watch the animations, and, most importantly, **start speaking!**
정말 수고하셨습니다!
(You've worked really, really hard!)