남친짤
namchinjjal
In Korean, "boyfriend material" is expressed as 남친짤 (namchinjjal).
The term 남친짤 refers specifically to a "boyfriend material photo." It is used to describe photos of celebrities or people that look natural, approachable and aesthetically pleasing, as if a girlfriend took the photo. The term is almost exclusively used in digital contexts, such as on social media, internet forums or fan communities. You may also encounter the informal expression 남친 느낌, which means "feeling like a boyfriend" and is used to describe someone as "boyfriend material."
How do you pronounce it?
namchinjjal
Did you know?
- The term 짤 in 남친짤 is a slang word for 'image' that evolved from a typo in the word for 'cut' or 'snippet' used in early internet forums.
- Fans often create 남친짤 collections by cropping out other people or backgrounds from celebrity photos to make it look like the celebrity is on a private date with the viewer.
- There is a female equivalent called 여친짤 for 'girlfriend material photos' that follows the same rules of looking natural and approachable rather than overly glamorous.
Examples in context
- 그 사람은 진짜 남친 느낌이 있어That person gives off a real boyfriend vibe.
- 이 사진은 완전 남친짤이다.i sajineun wanjeon namchinjjal-ida.This photo is total boyfriend material.
- 그 배우의 남친짤이 인기가 많아요.geu baeueui namchinjjal-i ingiga manhayo.That actor's boyfriend material photos are very popular.
- 너 어제 찍은 남친짤 진짜 잘 나왔다.neo eoje jjigeun namchinjjal jinjja jal nawatda.The boyfriend material photo you took yesterday came out really well.
Example conversation
Dohyun and Subin are looking at photos on a phone.
- 도현 Do-hyeon이 사진 어때? 잘 나왔어?i sajin eottae? jal nawasseo?How is this photo? Did it come out well?
- 수빈 Su-bin와, 진짜 완벽한 남친짤이다!wa, jinjja wanbyeokhan namchinjjal-ida!Wow, this is a perfect boyfriend material photo!
- 도현 Do-hyeon정말? 고마워, 수빈아.jeongmal? gomawo, subin-a.Really? Thanks, Subin.
- 수빈 Su-bin응, 분위기가 정말 좋아.eung, bunwigiga jeongmal joa.Yeah, the vibe is really great.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries 남친짤, CC BY-SA 4.0.
