Korean Teen Slang 101: From Lucky Vicky to Chugumi

Why does slang change so fast?

Slang is part trend, part secret code. It is how people check that they are on the same team, so the moment a word goes mainstream, a new one is born.

So you do not need to memorize everything. Knowing a handful of the most common words is enough to follow along.

Positive energy: lucky vicky and godsaeng

Lucky vicky describes an ultra-positive mindset that flips any situation into good luck. It is known as a meme born from K-pop idol Jang Wonyoung's famously positive thinking. Example: 'I bombed the test but got a retake? That is so lucky vicky!'

Godsaeng combines 'god' and the Korean word for life, and means living a diligent, well-organized day: morning runs, study logs, planner routines. Example: 'This week I am living that godsaeng. Five days of early wake-ups done!'

Positive slang tends to age well, because reframing things in a good light never goes out of style.

Aesthetic talk: chugumi and kku-an-kku

Chugumi combines 'pursue' and 'beauty': the image or style you are aiming for, from outfits to the way you text. Example: 'My chugumi is quiet but secretly hilarious.'

Kku-an-kku is short for 'dressed up, but like you did not try.' The point is looking effortless while secretly putting in the work. Some say it is the hardest style to pull off.

Chat essentials: jeommechu, eok-ten, jjin-ten

Jeommechu is short for 'recommend me a lunch menu.' It shows up in group chats every single day around noon. Example: 'Jeommechu please, convenience store edition.'

Eok-ten means forced hype, jjin-ten means genuine hype. They tell apart a polite reaction from a real one. Example: 'That laugh earlier was eok-ten, but your joke got a jjin-ten laugh.'

One rule for using slang

Slang is for playing, not for showing off. If you do not know a word, just ask. Asking 'what does that mean?' is a hundred times more natural than forcing it.

Speaking of chat vibes, are your replies more T or more F? Find out with the test below.