호로새끼 (horosaekki)

ho̞ɾo̞sʰɛ̝k͈iinsult

What does 호로새끼 (horosaekki) mean? 호로새끼 (horosaekki) is a Korean nuclear that translates to “son of a bitch / bastard” in English.

child without a father

01

"son of a bitch / bastard"

Attacks someone by claiming they have no father and thus no manners/education.

이런 호로새끼! (Ireon horosaekki! - You fatherless bastard!)

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
  • Almost any situation — this is as offensive as it gets
  • Job interviews, meetings, or customer-facing situations

Cultural Context

EXTREMELY offensive in a Confucian society where paternal lineage defines worth. Using this implies the person's mother was unfaithful. Will start a physical fight.

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