Exclamations and Reactions
New slang for exclamations and big reactions makes conversation come alive. This lesson covers the popular words people use to crank up their feelings.
1. λλ° (Awesome / Incredible)
'λλ°' originally was a noun meaning 'a big success,' but it now doubles as an exclamation of surprise or amazement β good for both great news and shocking news.
2. ν΅- (Super- / Really-)
The prefix 'ν΅-' comes from 'ν΅νν' (nuclear bomb) and adds the sense of 'extremely.' Stick it in front of an adjective to dial up the intensity.
3. 짱 (The best / Great)
'짱' means 'the best' or 'awesome.' You can use it on its own or tack it onto a noun to crown something the greatest.
4. ν / μ€νλ (No way / Is this real?)
'ν' is an interjection of shock or disbelief, while 'μ€νλ?' literally asks 'is this a true story?' β i.e., 'no way, seriously?' Both pack a strong jolt of surprise.
5. κΏμΌ vs λ ΈμΌ (Fun vs. boring)
'κΏμΌ' is 'κΏ' (honey) + 'μ¬λ―Έ' (fun) and means a total blast; 'λ ΈμΌ' is 'no' + 'μ¬λ―Έ' and means a snooze. They pair with intensifiers too β e.g., 'ν΅λ ΈμΌ' (super boring).
| Expression | Origin | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| λλ° | ν° μ±κ³΅ (big success) | Awesome / Incredible |
| ν΅- | ν΅νν (nuclear) | Extremely- (prefix) |
| 짱 | μ΅κ³ (the top) | The best / Great |
| κΏμΌ | κΏ + μ¬λ―Έ (honey + fun) | Super fun |
| λ ΈμΌ | no + μ¬λ―Έ (no + fun) | Boring / Not fun |
| ν | (interjection) | Whoa / no way |
| μ€νλ | μ€ν (true story) + λ | Is this real?! |
π‘ Tip: 'ν΅,' '짱,' and 'κΏ' all work as intensifiers. Use them sparingly β pile them on and you'll come across as overly casual.