[Korean Culture & Language] Feeling ‘Nutty’

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Have you ever felt happy or satisfied after seeing or hearing about someone else’s minor misfortunes, problems, or failures? Even though it could make one feel guilty, many people have occasionally found some satisfaction in the misery of others. “Schadenfreude” is the term for taking pleasure in another person’s suffering. In Korea, the term “고소하다,” which is directly translated to “nutty” or “sweet,” is used to express one’s happiness over someone else’s misfortune, especially if the person is believed to be deserving of it.

Ex)
A: 해성아, 민지 새로 사귄 남자친구가 바람피워서 헤어진 거 들었어?
A: Hae-Sung, Did you hear that Min-ji broke up with her new boyfriend because he cheated on her?
B: 오, 그래? 그거 진짜 고소하다. 걔 나랑 만날 때 바람피웠던 거 기억나?
B: Oh, yeah? I feel “nutty/sweet” (I’m so happy to hear that/She deserves it.) Do you remember she cheated on me when we were together?
A: 응, 그거 기억나서 너한테 제일 먼저 말해 준거야! 걔 진짜 뿌린 대로 거두었네.
A: Yeah, I do remember that. That’s why I shared the news with you as soon as I heard it! She reaped what she sowed.

Have you ever felt ‘고소하다’ over someone’s misfortune? What was the case? Please share it in the comment below!

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