Learn Korean Slang from SNL Korea: “이 새끼” and Other Real Talk

 

Learn cultural context, real expressions, and the fine line between teasing and fighting.

 

1. Scene Summary – What Happens in the Skit?

In a viral SNL Korea sketch (2023), a group of friends gathers for drinks. What starts as light teasing quickly spirals into an emotional roast session. One friend’s boyfriend has been unemployed for four years—and the jokes get harsh. Still, underneath the insults lies a surprising truth: they’re all still friends.

 

📺 Watch the original scene here.

[Source] YouTube, 홀홀홀홀 ⬅️ SNL Korea, Coupang Play

 

The key highlight is how Kim Seul-gi and Joo Hyun-young hurl harsh insults and expose each other’s past embarrassments—all while keeping a smiling face.

 

2. Key Slang Expressions from the Skit

Expression	Meaning	Usage Notes
이 새끼	“This jerk/bastard”	Offensive when serious, but often used jokingly among male friends
백수	Unemployed person	Literally, “white hands” implies someone doing nothing with their life
담타하다	Go for a cigarette break	From “담배 타임”; everyday slang in informal settings
씨발년 / 개년	Extremely offensive slurs toward women	Avoid entirely; shown in media for shock or realism
못하는 말이 없다	“She says whatever she wants.”	Describes a bold, unfiltered speaker

 

3. Cultural Insights – Why This Is Funny in Korea

Korean humor often thrives on emotional intensity. Friends in their 20s and 30s—especially women—sometimes tease, roast, and even curse each other as a sign of intimacy. But the line between playfulness and aggression can blur quickly.

– Hierarchy and age momentarily disappear in these moments.

– Roasting someone’s job, partner, or habits is seen as both a joke and a challenge.

– Even strong words like “개년” or “독한 년” may carry affection—if the tone is right.

Still, one misstep can turn comedy into a fight. That tension is what makes sketches like this both hilarious and relatable.

 

4. Learner Caution – Know It, Don’t Say It

🧭 Learn to recognize	🚫 Do not use in real life
Harsh slang terms in media	Offensive terms like “씨발년,” “개년” in conversation
Cultural usage patterns	Mocking friends with swear words
Humor through exaggeration	Imitating sketch-style jokes without context

These expressions are best understood as part of Korean media literacy, not as language to use yourself.

 

5. Safer Alternatives

Harsh Term	Safer Word	Tone/Usage
이 새끼	이 사람	Neutral and safe
개년	성격 센 여자	Describes personality without offense
백수	무직자	Formal and respectful
씨발년	너무한 여자	Implication without profanity
독한 년	당찬 여자	Still strong, but positive nuance

 

❓ FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)

Q1. Do Koreans use these words in daily life?
Yes, but only in very casual or private settings, often among close friends or in heated arguments.

Q2. Why do comedy shows use them so much?
To heighten drama and realism. Swearing adds emotional tension—and comedy thrives on discomfort.

Q3. Is it safe to quote these words if I’m studying?
For educational purposes, yes—but don’t use them aloud unless you fully understand the social context.

 

☀️ Bonus Tips for Learners

📌 Don’t just memorize words—observe tone, context, and who’s speaking to whom

🧠 Swearing ≠ fluency. Learning how to listen without copying is an advanced skill

✅ Recognizing offensive language helps you stay safe, respectful, and competent in real conversations

 

6. Final Thought

Koreans are known for expressing strong emotions, and that includes swearing. Compared to many Western cultures, Korean culture has a broader range of curse words, and they’re used more casually in daily conversation.

That said, this doesn’t mean Koreans never get into fights over swearing—it just happens less often than in cultures where insults are immediately escalated. In many Korean interactions, people exchange harsh words without it escalating into violence.

Still, it’s essential to recognize these words if you’re interacting with Koreans—not to use them, but to avoid misunderstandings or conflict. In short: study them for awareness, not for use