헐
heol
The Korean phrase for 'wtf' is 헐 (heol).
헐 is used as an exclamation to express shock, disbelief or being dumbfounded, similar to how 'WTF' or 'OMG' is used in English.
Meaning: What the fuck (phrase)
Which one should you use?
You can create a stronger expression of shock or amazement by using the phrase 헐 대박.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
헐 is an informal exclamation and should not be used in formal settings or when speaking to elders or superiors.
How do you pronounce it?
heol
Did you know?
- The sound of 헐 mimics the involuntary gasp or the sound of someone losing their breath due to sudden shock.
- The word 헐 became a linguistic phenomenon through 'internet slang' and was not part of the traditional Korean lexicon taught in textbooks.
- Although 헐 conveys disbelief, it is considered much milder than the English 'wtf' and is frequently used by teenagers in contexts where a true swear word would be too aggressive.
Examples in context
- 헐, 진짜?heol, jin-jja?WTF, really?
- 헐, 대박이다.heol, dae-bak-i-da.WTF, that's crazy.
Example conversation
Hyunwoo and Jieun are looking at a very expensive price tag.
- 현우 Hyeon-woo헐, 이거 너무 비싸다.heol, i-geo neo-mu bi-ssa-da.WTF, this is too expensive.
- 지은 Ji-eun진짜? 가격이 얼마야?jin-jja? ga-gyeok-i eol-ma-ya?Really? How much is it?
- 현우 Hyeon-woo백만 원이야.baek-man won-i-ya.It is one million won.
- 지은 Ji-eun헐, 말도 안 돼.heol, mal-do an dwae.WTF, no way.
