Korean Job Discussion Forums

[seoulman1]

Sometimes when I hear Korean people talk in between words they make an odd ckkkkkk sound like when you imitate that walkie talkie or radio white noise sound. Ive asked numerous Koreans and they dont know what i'm talking about.. it can last up to two seconds and kind of sounds like they are trying to emphasize something.

Perhaps some of the more informed waygooks here can verify that im not imagining this?

[JamesFord]

Yeah, I'd like to know what that is too. My gf said they are just imitating a noise, to describe the noise something was making. For example, 'the toilet was plugged and it when "kkkkkkkkkrrrrrrrrrr" (whatever). I dont' buy it because it's used way too often.

I'd also like to know why when so many Korean men laugh, they sound like count Dracula from Sesame Street. aaaah..ahhhhh....ahhhhhhhhhhhhh!

[jeffkim1972]

You're right. Some people are really good at it. Some don't do it at all.

It's to really emphasize something. It sounds rather unsophisticated.

It's definitely used as a word, not to mimic a sound.

There was one guy that used it nearly every 10 seconds.

Can't for the life of me think of what "word" he was saying though.

The harder you make the sound, the more emphasis you are giving. It's definitely used as an adjective or adverb.

[seoulman1]

[PeteJB]

Are you talking about stressing on sounds? For example, that dress is REAL cheap! 그 드레스 참 싸네! 참 gets stressed like the walkie talkie sound you describe. It's not unique to that word, and can be used in many ways to describe something with surprise and stress.

[Manner of Speaking]

[kimcheechochy]

They add that to words for emphasis. The word already ends or begins with a "g" or "k" sound and they kind of stretch it out. That's it. No demonic possession or secret words happening there.

It's kind of how we say "Whaaaaaaaaaaat?" with our mouths wide open.

[While Away]

I almost asked my Korean teacher how to spell that sound, since it doesn't seem to be covered in the standard alphabet. I'm glad I didn't ask, since it seems it would have led to one of those "no such thing as that in Korea" stares.
Very funny how us foreigners all notice this and many Koreans deny such a thing exists. I think way too often Koreans get sort of an attitude like, "The waegook is talking, nothing important is being said." But sorry, I digress.

[normalcyispasse]

You mean the one that sounds like someone's getting ready to hock a loogie full of nails and wasps? Yeah, that's just used for emphasis.

[mrsquirrel]

THat's the one.

I think it's a vocal version of a drum roll.



---

There appears to be a pube on my laptop. This is worrying since it's been locked in my desk all weekend but it doesn't look like one of mine, too dark and curly.

[Bibbitybop]

I've heard it used in many situations, including all on its own when something funny occurs.

[kimchi_pizza]

It's not as common as it used to be but it's used to stress a strong emotion or complaint usually anger or frustration. I usually hear it amoung the older men inbetween swear words after a few bottles of soju, "Asssiiiishhhkkkkkkkkkshibaloma...!!!!" Than kinda thing. My friends crack up when I imitate it exactly as a joke.

[Justin Hale]

It's a disgusting sound. Where would I be without me earplugs, eh?

[djsmnc]

I've used it in a sentence before, to the delight of many a Korean.

[RACETRAITOR]