“K-beauty”, “hallyu” and “mukbang” are among more than 20 Korean terms added to the latest edition of the “Oxford English Dictionary” (“OED”). This reflects the growing popularity of South Korean fashion, cuisine and entertainment in the world, the Guardian daily comments.
As of 2016, the definition of musical genre can already be found in the dictionary “K-pop”, there are now also interpretations of the meanings of other terms with this prefix, such as korean drama (South Korean series) and “Korean beauty” (South Korean personal care products).
There was also among the added words “Hallyu” – A term referring to “increased international interest in South Korea, illustrated particularly by the global success of music, film, television, fashion and cuisine” from that country. There is also a second meaning: South Korean popular culture and entertainment that way.
OED also shows that South Korean cuisine has more to offer than kimchi (spicy sauerkraut), which has been in the dictionary since 1976. Now you can also read “Bolgogi” (thin cuts of beef or pork) and “chimaek” (a combination of fried chicken and beer).
“Mokbang” – Another addition to “OED” – means live video coverage where people eat large quantities of food while talking to viewers.
Traditional culture is represented, among other things, by the word “hanbok” (a traditional Korean dress for both women and men), or “Hangul” (The alphabet was invented in the 14th century by the great ruler of Korea Sejong.)
According to the “OED”, the inclusion of these terms in the dictionary reflects the increasing use of words from foreign languages by native speakers of the English language. “(…) shows that lexical innovations are no longer associated with the traditional centers of the English language, such as the United Kingdom and the United States” – he explained.
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