호구 (hogu)
What does 호구 (hogu) mean? 호구 (hogu) is a Korean moderate that translates to “sucker / pushover / simp” in English.
Literal Translation
tiger's mouth
Meaning & Usage
"sucker / pushover / simp"
A naive person who is easily scammed or taken advantage of.
Examples in the Wild
너 호구 잡혔어. (Neo hogu japhyeosseo. - You're being played for a sucker.)
When to Use It
Context
- Casual conversations with friends
- Informal settings where profanity is accepted
- Direct confrontation (use with caution)
Avoid
- Professional or formal settings
- Job interviews, meetings, or customer-facing situations
Cultural Context
Originated from the game of Go (baduk) meaning a vulnerable position. Modern use is for a 'sucker'. Highly damaging to a man's pride.
More in Korean 🇰🇷
View all →쌍놈 (ssangnom)
“scumbag / uncultured bastard”
The male equivalent of ssangnyeon. Uncultured, rude, low-class man.
미친년 (michinnyeon)
“crazy bitch / psycho bitch”
The female equivalent of michinnom. Highly offensive slur for women acting irrationally.
좆까 (jokka)
“fuck you / bullshit / fuck off”
An incredibly vulgar and aggressive way to dismiss someone's words or presence. Literally referring to pulling back foreskin.
닥쳐 (dakchyeo)
“shut the fuck up”
A forceful and aggressive way to tell someone to stop talking.
지랄발광 (jiralbalgwang)
“throwing an absolute shit fit / going completely apeshit”
An intensified version of jiral meaning someone is going completely and publicly insane or overreacting wildly.
개새끼 (gaesaekki)
“son of a bitch / bastard”
A harsh personal insult directed at males. Uses the degrading animal classifier 'gae' (dog) with 'saekki' (offspring).
한남 (hannam)
“toxic Korean male / incel”
Short for 'Hanguk Namja' (Korean male), used online with a derogatory connotation implying misogyny.
걸레 (geolle)
“slut / whore”
Slang for a sexually promiscuous woman. Literally means a dirty rag used for wiping floors.