50 Latest Korean Neologisms: A Guide to the Language of the MZ Generation

Are you confused by the acronyms and trendy words frequently appearing in Korean online communities, YouTube comments, and social media today?

Neologisms used commonly among the MZ Generation (Millennials and Gen Z) such as ‘Eokkka’ (억까), ‘Jeulloa’ (즐로아), ‘Kingbatda’ (킹받다), and ‘Samgwida’ (삼귀다) transcend the traditional framework of language and function as a new social code.

This post compiles 50 commonly used neologisms, based on 2024–2025 usage, in a clear table format. For each expression, you will find its meaning, origin, example usage, and important usage notes.

Top 50 Korean Slang Terms Used by the MZ Generation

The 50 Latest Korean Neologisms: Comprehensive Summary Table

No.	Expression (Korean)	Meaning / Origin	Example Usage	Usage Notes
1	억까 (Eokkka)	‘Forced criticism’ / ‘Unreasonable Bashing’ (억지로 까기, eokjiro kkagi)	“그건 억까지” (Geugeon eokkkaji) – “That’s just forced bashing.”	Can be misinterpreted as excessive criticism or attack.
2	사바사 (Sabasa)	‘It depends on the person’ (사람마다 다름, saram mada dareum)	“그건 사바사지” (Geugeon sabasaji) – “That depends on the person.”	An expression to acknowledge diversity.
3	ㅇㅈ (Inj)	‘Acknowledge’ / ‘Agreed’ (인정, Injeong)	“ㅇㅈ 그 말 맞아” (Inj geu mal maja) – “Agreed, that’s right.”	An informal, casual expression.
4	ㄹㅇ (Rieul-ieung)	‘Real’ / ‘Really’ (리얼, Rieol)	“ㄹㅇ 너무 웃김” (Rieul-ieung neomu utgim) – “Seriously, that’s hilarious.”	Best suited for non-official conversations.
5	실화냐 (Silhwanya)	‘Is this true?’ / ‘Is this real life?’ (사실이냐, Sasirinya)	“와 이게 실화냐” (Wa ige silhwanya) – “Wow, is this for real?”	Expresses amazement or disbelief/absurdity.
6	킹받다 (Kingbatda)	‘Very Annoying’ / ‘Infuriating’ (열받다, Yeolbatda + King)	“진짜 킹받네” (Jinjja kingbatne) – “That’s really infuriating.”	An exaggeration of the emotion ‘annoyed’ or ‘angry.’
7	TMI	‘Too Much Information’	“TMI지만 방금 밥 먹었어” (TMIjiman banggeum bap meogeosseo) – “TMI, but I just ate.”	Sharing more information than is necessary or asked for.
8	오조오억 (Ojo Oeok)	‘An astronomical number’ / ‘Extremely many’ (Exaggeration)	“오조오억 번 봤어” (Ojo oeok beon bwasseo) – “I’ve seen it five trillion hundred million times.”	A humorous overstatement.
9	갑통알 (Gaptongal)	‘Suddenly saw my bank account and realized I need a part-time job’ (갑자기 통장을 보니 알바해야겠다, gapjagi tongjangeul boni alba-haeyagetda)	“이번 달 카드값 보고 갑통알…” (Ibeon dal kadeukgap bogo gaptongal…) – “Saw this month’s card bill and Gaptongal…”	A meme-like expression, often self-deprecating humor.
10	갓생 (Gatsaeng)	‘God-Life’ / ‘Living a productive, ideal life’ (열심히 사는 인생, yeolsimhi saneun insaeng)	“오늘도 갓생 살자” (Oneuldo gatsaeng salja) – “Let’s live a good life today too.”	Positive image of self-improvement and diligence.
11	인실좃 (Insiljot)	‘Experience real-life consequences’ (인과응보, ingwa-eungbo)	“그건 인실좃이지” (Geugeon insiljotiji) – “That’s what they deserve (consequences).”	Contains vulgar language; use with caution.
12	주불 (Jubul)	‘Tell me your address’ (주소 불러, juso bulleo)	“선물 보낼게 주불” (Seonmul bonaelge jubul) – “I’ll send a gift, address please.”	Used among close friends.
13	어쩔티비 (Eojjeol TV)	‘So what?’ / ‘What are you gonna do about it?’ (A mocking expression)	“어쩔티비~” (Eojjeol TV) – “Whatever, I don’t care.”	Can sound childish or provoking.
14	삼귀다 (Samgwida)	‘The pre-dating, ‘talking’ stage’ (썸 단계, sseom dangye)	“요즘 걔랑 삼귀는 중” (Yojeum gyerang samgwidneun jung) – “I’m in the ‘Samgwida’ stage with them these days.”	Refers to the early, ambiguous phase before a relationship.
15	문찐 (Munjjin)	‘Culture Loser’ / ‘Unaware of new trends’ (문화 찐따, munhwa jjinda)	“나 완전 문찐이라 몰랐어” (Na wanjeon munjjinira mollasseo) – “I’m such a ‘munjjin,’ I didn’t know.”	Exercise caution even if not intended as a slur.
16	선넘네 (Seonneomne)	‘Crossing the line’ (선 넘는다, seon neomneunda)	“그건 선넘네” (Geugeon seonneomne) – “That’s crossing the line.”	Expresses that something has gone too far or is inappropriate.
17	박제 (Bakje)	‘To be recorded and posted publicly’ (Preserved/Stuffed)	“이거 박제함” (Igeo bakjeham) – “I’m keeping a public record of this.”	Often associated with taking screenshots or screen recording.
18	손절 (Sonjeol)	‘Cutting ties’ / ‘Severing a relationship’ (인간관계 끊음, ingwangwangye kkeunheum)	“쟤는 손절했어” (Jyaeneun sonjeolhaesseo) – “I’ve completely cut them off.”	Expresses a firm end to a personal connection.
19	불소 (Bulso)	‘Fiery communication’ / ‘Active interaction’ (불타는 소통, bultaneun sotong)	“오늘도 불소 가자!” (Oneuldo bulso gaja!) – “Let’s communicate actively today too!”	Used on social media, in real-time comments, etc.
20	지렸다 (Jiryeotda)	‘Amazed’ / ‘Awesome’ (놀람, 감탄, nollam, gamtan)	“와 지렸다 진짜” (Wa jiryeotda jinjja) – “Wow, that’s seriously awesome.”	Used for positive astonishment.
21	어그로 (Eogeuro)	‘Attention-seeking’ / ‘Trolling’ (Attention-getter)	“쟤 어그로 끄네” (Jyae eogeuro kkeune) – “They’re just trying to draw attention.”	Mostly carries a negative connotation.
22	무지성 (Mujiseong)	‘Thoughtless’ / ‘Mindless’ (아무 생각 없음, amu saenggak eopseum)	“무지성 구매함” (Mujiseong gumaeham) – “I bought it mindlessly.”	Can be used with a self-reflective or self-deprecating tone.
23	심쿵 (Simkung)	‘Heartthrob’ / ‘Heart Skip’ (심장 쿵, simjang kung)	“그 말에 심쿵했어” (Geu mare simkunghaesseo) – “My heart skipped a beat at that word.”	Primarily related to romance and emotional excitement.
24	혐관 (Hyeomgwan)	‘Hate relationship’ / ‘Antagonistic relationship’ (혐오 관계, hyeomo gwangye)	“둘이 혐관임” (Duri hyeomgwanim) – “They have a hate relationship.”	Describes a negative, often compelling, dynamic.
25	됐고요 (Dwaetgoyo)	‘Forget it’ / ‘I’m done’ (Expression of dismissal/disinterest)	“됐고요, 알아서 하세요” (Dwaetgoyo, araseo haseyo) – “Forget it, do as you please.”	Can potentially provoke an argument.
26	라떼는 (Lattena)	‘Back in my day…’ (나 때는 말이야, na ttaeneun mariya)	“라떼는 말이야~” (Lattena mariya) – “Back in my day…”	Often used to mock the ‘꼰대’ (Kkondaе / “Boomer”) attitude.
27	갑분싸 (Gapbunssa)	‘Suddenly the atmosphere turns awkward’ (갑자기 분위기 싸해짐, gapjagi bunwigi ssahaejim)	“그 말에 갑분싸…” (Geu mare gapbunssa) – “That comment suddenly killed the mood…”	Describes a sudden shift in conversation to an awkward or silent one.
28	팩폭 (Paekpok)	‘Fact violence’ / ‘Brutal honesty’ (팩트 폭력, paekteu pongnyeok)	“팩폭 좀 그만해” (Paekpok jom geumanhae) – “Stop with the brutal honesty.”	Refers to speaking a harsh truth or being overly direct.
29	JMT	‘So Delicious’ (존맛탱, Jonmattaeng)	“이거 JMT임” (Igeo JMTim) – “This is JMT.”	Expression of culinary delight; contains mild vulgarity (use caution).
30	꿀잼 (Kkuljaem)	‘Honey fun’ / ‘Extremely fun’ (매우 재미있음, maeu jaemiisseum)	“이거 꿀잼이야” (Igeo kkuljaemiya) – “This is super fun.”	A common positive expression.
31	노잼 (Nojaem)	‘No fun’ / ‘Boring’ (재미 없음, jaemi eopseum)	“완전 노잼임” (Wanjeon nojaemim) – “It’s completely boring.”	The opposite of ‘Kkuljaem.’
32	핵인싸 (Haek-insa)	‘Super Insider’ / ‘Extremely popular person’	“걔 진짜 핵인싸야” (Gyae jinjja haek-insaya) – “They’re a total Haek-insa.”	Emphasizes social competence and popularity.
33	아싸 (Assa)	‘Outsider’ / ‘Loner’ (아웃사이더, Aussaideu)	“난 좀 아싸인 듯” (Nan jom assa-in deut) – “I feel like a bit of an Assa.”	Can be used as a self-deprecating expression.
34	탕진잼 (Tangjinjaem)	‘The fun of squandering money’ (돈 쓰는 재미, don sseuneun jaemi)	“탕진잼 제대로 느끼는 중” (Tangjinjaem jedaero neukkineun jung) – “I’m fully enjoying the Tangjinjaem.”	Can be seen as glamorizing excessive spending.
35	만반잘부 (Manbanjalbu)	‘Nice to meet you, please treat me well’ (만나서 반가워 잘 부탁해, mannaseo bangawo jal butakhae)	“만반잘부!” (Manbanjalbu!)	Used as a first greeting.
36	오하요 (Ohayo)	‘Good morning’ (Japanese)	“오하요~” (Ohayo)	A casual, lighthearted greeting.
37	스불재 (Seubuljae)	‘A disaster brought upon oneself’ (스스로 불러온 재앙, seuseuro bulleo-on jae-ang)	“스불재였음…” (Seubuljaeyeosseum…) – “It was a Seubuljae.”	Means “reaping what you sow.”
38	존버 (Jonbeo)	‘Holding out / Enduring like crazy’ (존X 버티기, jon-X beotigi)	“존버 성공!” (Jonbeo seonggong!) – “Jonbeo successful!”	Contains vulgar language; caution is required.
39	고삼병 (Gosambyeong)	‘Senioritis’ / ‘The unique sensitivity of a high school senior’ (수험생 특유 예민함, suheomsaeng teukyu yeminham)	“요즘 고삼병 걸림” (Yojeum gosambyeong geollim) – “I’ve got Gosambyeong these days.”	Context-specific, usually regarding exam stress.
40	최애 (Choeae)	‘The most beloved’ / ‘Ultimate Bias’ (가장 좋아하는 대상, gajang joahaneun daesang)	“최애 캐릭터는 이거” (Choeae kaerikteoneun igeo) – “This is my Choeae character.”	Widely used in fan and fandom culture.
41	이생망 (Isangmang)	‘This life is ruined’ (이번 생은 망했다, ibeon saengeun manghaetda)	“이생망 확정…” (Isangmang hwakjeong…) – “Isangmang confirmed…”	A self-deprecating expression.
42	킹정 (Kingjeong)	‘King-Acknowledge’ / ‘Definitely Agreed’ (킹 + 인정, King + Injeong)	“그건 킹정이지” (Geugeon kingjeongiji) – “That’s definitely acknowledged.”	An emphatic way to agree.
43	오타쿠 (Otaku)	‘Nerd’ / ‘Enthusiast for a specific culture’ (Japanese origin)	“애니 오타쿠임” (Aeni otaku-im) – “I’m an anime Otaku.”	Can sometimes be perceived as a derogatory term.
44	덕질 (Deokjil)	‘Fan activity’ / ‘Fandom life’ (팬 활동, paen hwaldong)	“요즘 덕질 중” (Yojeum deokjil jung) – “I’m currently engaged in Deokjil.”	Frequently used in K-pop and other fan cultures.
45	플러팅 (Peulleoting)	‘Flirting’ / ‘Flirting technique’ (썸타기 기술, sseomtagi giseul)	“걔 지금 플러팅 중” (Gyae jigeum peulleoting jung) – “They are flirting right now.”	A neologism related to dating.
46	텐션 (Tension)	‘Vibe’ / ‘Energy Level’ (분위기, 에너지, bunwigi, eneoji)	“오늘 텐션 높네” (Oneul tensyeon nopne) – “Your Tension is high today.”	Emphasizes cheerfulness and high energy.
47	스라벨 (Seurabel)	‘Study Life Balance’ (스터디 라이프 밸런스, seuteodi laipeu baelleonseu)	“스라벨 중요해” (Seurabel junghyohae) – “Seurabel is important.”	A student-focused neologism (similar to ‘Work-Life Balance’).
48	멘붕 (Menbung)	‘Mental Breakdown’ / ‘Mental Confusion’ (정신적 혼란, jeongsineok honran)	“멘붕 옴” (Menbung om) – “I’m having a Menbung.”	An expression for everyday stress or confusion.
49	즐로아 (Jeulloa)	‘Have fun with Lost Ark’ → ‘Trolling / Mockery’ (즐거운 로스트아크 하세요, jeulgeoun loseuteu-akeu haseyo)	“즐로아~” (Jeulloa)	WARNING: Primarily used for mockery or trolling, exercise caution.
50	급발진 (Geuppaljin)	‘Sudden acceleration’ / ‘Excessive or sudden outburst’ (갑자기 과하게 나감, gapjagi gwahage nagam)	“그건 급발진인데?” (Geugeon geuppaljin-inde?) – “Isn’t that an overreaction?”	Use caution when conveying intent; can imply an uncalled-for reaction.

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Conclusion: Neologisms are a Window into Generational Dialogue

Neologisms are not merely trendy words but the evolution of language, reflecting the culture and emotions of a generation.

When communicating with Gen Z or managing online content and communities, it is crucial to accurately understand these expressions and use them appropriately within the context.

We hope this post serves as a valuable tool for effective cross-generational communication.

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