염병 (yeom-byeong) meaning in Korean
염병 · yeom-byeong
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'yeom-byeong' (염병) is a Korean slang term that originally referred to typhoid fever but is now used as a curse word to express intense annoyance. It is roughly equivalent to saying 'bullshit' when reacting to someone's ridiculous or foolish behavior.
Pronunciation
yeom-byeong
Intensity
Strong
Frequency
Rare
Categories
S-Lang
App only
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Meaning
Literally referring to 'typhoid fever,' this term evolved into a curse word used to express intense annoyance or disdain towards someone's absurd or foolish behavior. It is often used to describe someone acting ridiculously or saying nonsense, roughly equivalent to 'bullshit' or 'doing some crazy shit' in English.
Korean editor note
본래 장티푸스와 같은 치명적인 전염병을 뜻하는 단어였으나, 현대에는 상대방의 어이없거나 꼴사나운 행동을 비하할 때 쓰는 욕설로 굳어졌습니다. 주로 '염병하네' 또는 '염병 떠네'의 형태로 쓰이며, 말도 안 되는 짓을 하는 상대를 강하게 비난하고 조롱하는 뉘앙스를 가집니다.
Nuance and usage context
Understanding when and how to use 염병 matters as much as knowing its meaning. Tone, social setting, and formality all affect how this word lands.
Read full context in AppExamples
염병하네, 네가 그걸 어떻게 알아?
Bullshit, how would you know that?
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