hyung (형)

South Korea

📖What does "hyung (형)" mean?

Older brother (used by males to older males, also for close male friends). This term reflects contemporary internet culture, where language evolves rapidly through social media, memes, and digital communities.

💡Why people use it

This term connects speakers to their cultural and regional identity, serving as both communication tool and identity marker. Using it signals belonging to specific communities and understanding of shared cultural context.

🔊Pronunciation

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📈Trend Score for "hyung (형)"

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Current Score

Peak Score

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Trend score based on usage, engagement, and popularity metrics

💬How to use "hyung (형)"

📝In a sentence

"My friend explained that "hyung (형)" is when Older brother (used by males to older males, also for close male friends).."

💭In a conversation

Person A: "Did you see what happened yesterday?"

Person B: "Yeah, that was totally hyung (형)!"

Person A: "Right? I couldn't believe it either."

Person B: "It's the most hyung (형) thing I've seen all week."

📱Social media usage

Living for this hyung (형) energy right now 🔥

🌍Origin & Cultural Background

📍Region

South Korea

🧬Cultural Roots

This term emerged from global internet culture, where diverse communities create and share language across borders. It reflects how digital platforms enable rapid linguistic innovation, allowing expressions to develop, mutate, and spread globally through memes, social media, and online communities.

🚀Why it became viral

Spread globally as diaspora communities shared their language online, and content creators from those communities gained international audiences. The term resonated with people seeking authentic, culturally-rich expressions beyond standard English.

🌐Regional Usage & Context

📍Regional Context

In South Korea, this term is used in informal, casual contexts among peers. It reflects local cultural values and communication patterns while connecting to global internet culture. Usage may vary slightly within the region based on age, community, and social context.

🌍Explore more South Korea slang

🎯Formality & Usage Context

This term is best used in informal, casual contexts. It creates connection with peers and signals understanding of contemporary culture, but may confuse or alienate people unfamiliar with modern slang. Always consider your audience and context when using this term.

🎨Meme Ideas for "hyung (형)"

Get creative with these meme template ideas featuring "hyung (형)". These prompts can help you create hilarious memes that capture the essence of this slang term.

Drake Pointing Meme

Drake rejecting a long explanation, pointing to "hyung (형)" - showing the term as the perfect way to express the idea.

Distracted Boyfriend Meme

Person looking away from old language, being distracted by "hyung (형)" - representing how this term replaced older expressions.

This Is Fine Dog Meme

Dog saying "This is hyung (형)" while everything is chaos - using the term to express resigned acceptance.

Change My Mind Meme

"If you say hyung (형), you mean Older brother (used by males to older males, also for close male friends).. Change my mind." - expressing the term's definitive meaning.

Woman Yelling at Cat Meme

Person explaining "hyung (형)" means Older brother (used by males to older males, also for close male friends)., while confused cat represents people who don't know the term yet.

🎭Create Your Own Meme