애자 (aeja)

ɛ̝d͡ʑa̠insult

What does 애자 (aeja) mean? 애자 (aeja) is a Korean severe that translates to “retard / cripple” in English.

disabled

01

"retard / cripple"

Short for 'jang-ae-ja' (disabled person). Used as an insult for someone acting stupidly.

애자냐? (Aejanya? - Are you a retard?)

Context

  • Expressing strong frustration or emphasis
  • Only among very close friends who share this register
  • Direct confrontation (use with caution)

Avoid

  • Professional or formal settings
  • Around elders or authority figures
  • Public spaces — will cause genuine offense
  • Job interviews, meetings, or customer-facing situations

Cultural Context

Highly offensive ableist slur used primarily by schoolchildren/teens. It is aggressively socially discouraged now.

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