Loanwords slang

It is the subtle emotion exchanged before dating someone you have feelings for.

A speech tic derived from a stilted Japanese-to-Korean translation pattern. E.g. "This post isn't that interesting, but it's pretty helpful-neung~"

A character-personality trope common in anime and bishoujo games — someone with an obsessive, unhealthy attachment to one person. Blends the Japanese words for "sick/ill" (yamu) and "bashful/lovestruck" (dere).

"Not" (English) + "ningen" (Japanese for human) — "not human," usually meaning someone is superhuman/godlike. The opposite is "ningen" (an ordinary human).

Originally a Japanese word for "the real thing," but in Korean subculture communities it's used for someone who causes real harm or trouble to others.

Borrowed from Japanese. Usually describes a fictional hero with extraordinary powers, distinct from "yongsa" (a soldier honored for real accomplishments). In Korean internet use, it can also mean someone who does something reckless that most people wouldn't dare.

A Japanese-accented pronunciation of the word "sex," used on forums where the direct word is banned or where saying it plainly feels too blunt.

Describes great chemistry, rapport, or compatibility between people — from English "chemistry."

Japanese for "as expected," used in place of the Korean equivalent.

From English "come back" — an artist or performer returning to the stage/scene after time away, especially a K-pop group's new release/promotion cycle.

"Prim and aloof." A character-personality trope in Japanese manga, anime and bishoujo games. Blends the Japanese for a standoffish, curt demeanor ("tsuntsun") with "bashful/lovestruck" ("dere").

Means "this feels so good" in an excited, thrilled sense. Its use is controversial because it originates from a stock line in Japanese adult videos.

From English "generate" — when a monster spawns in a game's field or dungeon (e.g. "mob-jen," "boss-jen").

A game monster/enemy — from English "mob." Also used as a suffix, e.g. "boss-mob."

"There's no getting out of it/denying it, can't" (mixing Korean with English "can't") — you're stuck, no way around it.

The initial consonant of the Korean pronunciation of English "No" — shorthand for "no."

"Ningen by ningen" — "ningen" is Japanese for "human," so this means "it varies from person to person."

A forced waiting period before you can use an ability or action again — from English "cool time" (cooldown).

From English "shield." Used when someone defends a person or group being criticized on a forum, deflecting the attacks — commonly as the verb phrase "shield-chida" (to put up a shield).

Means "human," from the Japanese pronunciation of the word. The opposite is "not-ningen" (superhuman).

Rooted in Japanese, popularized as a coined phrase by Korean YouTuber/streamer BJ Bo Gyeom.

"Overpowered/broken character" (shortened from "scam character") — originally a gaming term for an unfairly strong character, now also used offline for someone with outstanding talent or looks. (Unrelated to the Japanese rice wine "sake," despite the similar sound.)

From English "fake" — a trick or deception. Also written "peiikeu."

"Black history" — used for a period of someone's past they now find embarrassing or cringeworthy. Borrowed from Japanese; softer renderings like "a past best forgotten" are the recommended translation.

From English "class," in the sense of "tier/level" — usually used to describe how impressive someone or something is.

From Japanese "otaku" (enthusiast/nerd), used pejoratively for someone obsessively attached to Japanese culture, and more broadly for anyone with an intense fixation on a hobby or interest. In Korea it's commonly used to mock fans of Japanese anime/culture specifically. A harsher version is "sipdeokhu" ("10x otaku").

From "otaku," rendered in Korean as "odeoku," with an intensifying prefix once used to describe someone even more obsessed than a typical otaku (as in "5x otaku," "10x otaku"). Now mostly used, often affectionately, alongside idol fandom.

The meaning of emphasizing indigenous pro-North Korean forces as more vicious "Reds" than indigenous Japanese collaborators.

A term derived from the Japanese word *Ieunji*, meaning "mania," modified to resemble a Sino-Korean word. It refers to a person who focuses intensely on a particular field. The term "odeokhu" was first used in the Animation Gallery on DC Inside in 2005. The activities performed by an odeokhu are called *deokjil*.

From English "even" — evenly, uniformly. Took off from judging comments on the cooking show Culinary Class Wars.

From English "holy moly" — an exclamation of surprise.

From English "hip" — cool in an of-the-moment, slightly alternative way.