Are you scrolling Korean social media channels? You’ll probably hear people use the term ‘daebak’ from time to time, but what does it mean? This post unpacks the meaning and origin of this term.
Meaning
The expression ‘daebak’ comes from the Korean language. It’s a common phrase used in younger generations, and it has the same meaning as the English word, ‘wow.’ You’ll use the expression to exclaim your surprise or shock at something. The stimulus causing the response can be positive or negative, and it suits use in both cases.
For instance, you could say the phrase to exclaim your disappointment in something or to convey excitement. Daebak is one of the first words English-speaking people learn when adopting the Korean language.
‘Daebak’ also acts as a greeting and another way of saying ‘hi’ to someone in Korean. It’s a slang version of hello and is understood by the younger generations in Korea. Like ‘hi,’ ‘daebak’ is the more common version in social conversations between friends.
Example Usage
“Daebak! I can’t believe this is happening right now. What are the chances it would end up like this?”
“Daebak! This Ferrari is so fast I can feel the G-force when it takes off using launch control. What an amazing machine.”
“Daebak! I knew you were sneaking around with her behind my back, and now I finally caught you red-handed. I’m done with both of you, and I never want to see you again. Get out of my sight.”
Origin
The expression ‘daebak’ originates from the Korean language. Daebak (대박) is a common slang word used by Millenial and Gen Zs in Korea, and it’s an old expression. It’s a popular saying with youth, but seniors are unlikely to use the term.
Language experts are at a loss to explain the origin of the phrase or when it first appeared in Korean. However, it features in many videos and social media clips, and it’s a popular term in Korean for exclaiming surprise.
Phrases Similar to Daebak
- Wow
- That’s amazing.
- It’s incredible.
- I can’t believe it.
Phrases Opposite to Daebak
- Meh
- Nothing special.
- Bland and boring.
What is the Correct Saying?
- Deabak
Ways People May Say Daebak Incorrectly
Some people may use the word 'daebak' when speaking to other Asian ethnicities. However, Korean is a unique language, and people speaking other Asian languages won't understand the term's meaning.
Acceptable Ways to Phrase Daebak
You can replace the phrase 'wow' with 'daebak.' However, the term doesn't have much use outside the Korean community. There are several memes of the word online, and you can use them to exclaim excitement or surprise when a friend sends you a video or image that elicits the 'wow' response.
It's more common for people outside of Korea to post it as a meme or use it online in chats and message boards. It has limited use in verbal conversations and only suits social use. Typically, the youth use 'daebak' more than older generations.