Korean · 5 phrases
Words You'll Hear But Must Never Say
Comprehension only. Ethnic slurs riding Korea's regional grudges, the misogynist labels of the online gender wars, and the mother-insult that ends arguments permanently. We list them so you know what's being said around you — and know exactly how far a conversation has fallen. Every entry is a hard line.
병신 byeongsin byung-SHEEN Moron / useless idiot — extremely common, and an ableist slur at its root. Never say it. 짱깨 jjanggae JJAHNG-kkeh An ethnic slur for Chinese people — also slang for Chinese food, which does not launder it. Never say it. 쪽바리 jjokbari JJOHK-bah-ree An ethnic slur for Japanese people, rooted in colonial-era hatred. Never say it. 김치녀 kimchinyeo keem-chee-NYUH A misogynist slur labeling Korean women as gold-diggers. You'll see it online; never use it. 니 애미 ni aemi nee EH-mee The Korean 'your mom' — the nuclear escalation of any argument. Never say it.