Shit South Korean Girls Say
Unless you’ve been living in an isolated nuclear shelter in preparation for the coming end of the world, you may have picked up on the viral video ‘Shit Girls Say.’ Now the video has spawned legions of copycats. From ‘Shit Black Girls Say,’ ‘Shit Gay Southern Guys Say,’ to ‘Shit Asian Girls Say,’ the movement is growing, and it’s fun to watch.
Being something of an Asian girl myself I’ve zoned in on the latter and loved the dead-on moments that play on AAPI stereotypes, but also know how to make you laugh. Having recently written a category_ide to life in Seoul for women, I bear some responsibility for a better understanding of an under-explored corner of the Shit People Say movement. So to make sense of what you hear on the streets of Seoul or your local Koreatown, here are just a few key phrases under the banner, ‘Shit South Korean Girls Say.’
1. Oppa. Literally means ‘big brother,’ or ‘older brother,’ and originally used to refer to siblings. Now it’s overly abused and ubiquitously used by young women to call their boyfriends, sugar daddies, and waffle-eating partners. The Oppa is a term of endearment meaning ‘Honey’ or ‘Baby.’ Apparently South Korean guys find it a big turn-on when a girl calls after him, “Oppaaah~” and for better or for worse, you’ll hear that most everywhere.
2. Na Yeppeo? This is a rhetorical question that’s also interchangeable with “Na Yeppeuji?” meaning “Do I look pretty?” or “Don’t I look pretty?” Being pretty matters a lot for young Korean women, as they do hail from the birthplace of BB Cream. But the statement is often made in obnoxious jest, meaning, don’t take it too seriously. The girl in question usually just wants her BF’s moral support. Women ask this about each other too, but only if they already know the answer is a resounding yes!
3. Jjajeungna! A South Korean girl will utter this when she can’t figure out the wireless password or can’t find anything to wear in her closet of pinkish hues and fur bows. Ha! Just kidding. Actually, this phrase, meaning “I’m frustrated,” is used by anyone and everyone who’s running into puddles in their path. Having a bad day at work? Then just yell “Jjajeungna!” No one will know what you just said, only you. And you’ll feel much better from a cathartic release that can only be had when uttered in Korean.
Nancy Lee is a Chinese American who WISHES she was Korean American. Nice try, troll.
As a Korean American woman, I can identify with this to the T. I call all my men, “Oppa”, especially my sugar dadies in bed!
Hmmmmm, I don’t think Nancy Lee needs a self appointed referee to tell her who she is or comment on what she says to whoever she says it. My experience is what ever lovers call each other comes from what is important to their own moments.
Interesting article.
Yea!!! You doofusss!!!
Hey Doofus,
Why would you come to an Asian American women’ site and insult Chinese American women? No I am not Chinese American, but would be proud if I was. Go back to your blog Angry Asian man and continue watching your porn with women who would never give you the time of day. Then, you can come here and take it out on us. It’s ok.
Thanks Eagle scout!
Wow lots of views and the comments are cracking me up right now!
Hi Erina, Thank you. I would like to try your recipe too. If you have any qstoeiun regarding Korean food, ingredients, please feel free to contact me anytime.
Sh*t Girls Say Creators Land Harlequin Book Deal
Sh*t Girls Say creators Kyle Humphrey and Graydon Sheppard have inked a book deal with Harlequin. A book based on the popular YouTube video series is scheduled for a fall 2012 release.
The first video (embedded above) has already generated more than 16 million views on YouTube. Creative Artists Agency negotiated the deal with executive editor Deborah Brody.
Here’s more from the release: “In the irreverent spirit of Humphrey and Sheppard’s YouTube videos and Twitter feed—which allows Graydon Sheppard to famously exhibit his feminine side—the book will feature full-color images that capture the hilarious essence of everyday phrases used by women. Quirky and fun, the print edition of Sh*t Girls Say will appeal to the millions of devotees of this pop culture phenomenon.”
Nancy Lee IS a Chinese woman (per her profile ID she herself put) and DOES wish she was a Korean woman. Or maybe Nancy Lee is a “he”? LOL! In any case, TROLL!!!
…and so it continues! Everybody seems to have time to read dated articles as we approach the post-Christmas full moon. To determine if a woman really has Korean genes, just put her on a golf course! Oppas!