계집애 같은 놈
gyejip-ae gateun nom
The English word "sissy" is translated into Korean as 계집애 같은 놈 (gyejip-ae gateun nom).
This term is used to describe an effeminate boy or man. It is a highly derogatory noun phrase often used as a direct insult toward someone.
Meaning: an effeminate boy or man (noun)
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of 계집애 (girl/wench), 같은 (like/similar to) and 놈 (guy/fellow/bastard).
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
This phrase is informal and highly derogatory. It utilizes the word 놈, which is a vulgar or low-register way to refer to a male.
How does it change in a sentence?
The phrase functions as a noun phrase and is typically used as a subject or an insult directed at someone.
How do you pronounce it?
gyejip-ae gateun nom
Did you know?
- The word 놈 is so versatile that it can be used as a harsh insult or, between very close male friends, as a rough term of endearment.
- In Korean culture, describing a man using terms related to 계집애 (girl) attacks the traditional Confucian ideal of masculinity, making it more than just a comment on personality.
- The word 놈 was not always an insult. In Middle Korean, it was a neutral term used to refer to a 'person' regardless of gender.
Examples in context
- 나는 약한 사람이 아니야.I'm not a sissy.
- 너는 겁쟁이야.You are a sissy.
- 그는 정말 계집애 같은 놈이야.geuneun jeongmal gyejibaegateun nomiya.He is such a sissy.
Example conversation
Minjun and Seoyeon are discussing a classmate at a cafe.
- 민준 Min-jun그 애는 너무 계집애 같은 놈이야.geu aeneun neomu gyejibaegateun nomiya.That kid is such a sissy.
- 서연 Seo-yeon민준아, 말 조심해.minjun-a, mal josimhae.Minjun, watch your mouth.
- 민준 Min-jun그냥 솔직하게 말한 거야.geunyang soljik-hage mal-han geoya.I'm just being honest.
- 서연 Seo-yeon그래도 좀 심했어.geuraedo jom sim-haesseo.Still, that was a bit much.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries 같은, 계집애, 놈, CC BY-SA 4.0.
