Konglish 콩글리시

kongeullisi · from Korean

What is Konglish?

Konglish is English-derived vocabulary used in Korean with altered forms or meanings, like 핸드폰 haendeupon for mobile phone.

Some Konglish words are Korean coinages from English parts, others are borrowed via Japanese wasei-eigo, and some shift meaning. The cheer 파이팅 paiting (fighting) means go for it. Like wasei-eigo, Konglish is a false-friend trap in both directions.

Examples

핸드폰 haendeupon (hand phone: mobile); 파이팅 paiting (fighting: go for it); 아이쇼핑 aisyoping (eye shopping: window shopping); 원샷 wonsyat (one shot: bottoms up)

Kungfucius says: Fighting! In Korea it is encouragement, not a threat.