As a native English speaker and teacher, I had read about the 'World Englishes' as they are called, a world phenomenon. While in Spain and Mexico I had even experienced 'Spanglish' ...Ju told me ju were going to tha store and July to me! Julyer!
Now comes 'Asian English'....sensible, hilarious, confounding, outrageous.
Konglish favorites
Started out as English, once upon a time…
- hwa-i-ting (파이팅 or 화이팅; "fighting") a Korean cheer that can roughly be translated as "Victory!" but can also be used as a word of encouragement , like saying “Cheer up!” or "Courage!"
- chan-seu (찬스: "chance," "opportunity") has an expanded meaning that covers "bargain sales" (also a Konglish expression) and other promotions.
- hat-ke-i-keu (핫케이크; "hotcake") is the Korean word for the dish more familiar as "pancake".
- mae-jik-ta-im (매직타임 "Magic Time") not standard usage - when a woman is menstruating, derived from a popular Korean female sanitary product called "Magic".
- o-pi-seu-tel (오피스텔; "Office-tel") - a combination of "office" and "hotel", usually a small, modern room that has basic facilities including a kitchenette and a bathroom with a shower.
- won-syat (원샷 "one shot") - a form of toast, roughly equivalent to "bottom's up". It challenges the drinker to finish his drink in one gulp.
- gol-den (골덴; "golden") corduroy fabric material.
The words are English, the meaning however….
- American coffee: black coffee, usually low quality – served watery and in a large mug
- Cider: soda water, usually lemon flavored
- Decoration: a food garnish, as in “I’d like my risotto without decoration please” (meaning, please don’t cover this delicious food with that weird, sweet mayonnaise-like sauce)
- Event: popularly the “100 day event” which refers to the important 100 day anniversary for a couple in which the man should present his beloved with 100 roses to prove his devotion
- Eye shopping: window shopping, just looking without an intention to buy something
- Hyper market: supermarket, grocery store
- Name card: business card
- Step-by-step: a philosophy of life and plan of attack meaning one will pursue their goals in a strict, methodical fashion until it is achieved. For example, “I’m not going to get married yet. I’m going step-by-step. I want to find a good job first.”
- Well-being: usually referring to diet, reduced calorie, and vegetarian food, also a general healthy lifestyle that includes a low-fat diet, exercise and reduced stress.
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