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🍠고구마

/go-gu-ma/

"Goguma" literally means sweet potato, but as Korean slang it describes a frustrating, stuffy situation, person, or story development that feels emotionally blocked.
고구마 meaning visual explanation
🌀 Multiple origins🌀 MultipleFirst seen 2014

origin · Source

The slang comes from the dry, choking feeling of eating sweet potato without a drink. In the 2010s, Korean online communities, drama reviews, and webtoon comments widely used "고구마" for slow or frustrating developments, often paired with "사이다," which means a refreshing and satisfying resolution. The exact first use is unclear, so the year is approximate.

ex)

2
  • "The misunderstanding still has not been solved after ten episodes. This is such a goguma plot."
  • "He keeps avoiding the main point, so the whole conversation feels frustrating."

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ex)

"The main character finally exposed the villain. That scene was total cider."

🌀 Multiple origins🌀 Multiple2014

originThe slang use of 사이다 grew in the 2010s across dramas, variety shows, online communities, and social media, often paired with 고구마, which describes a slow or frustrating situation. The exact first use is hard to pin down, but it became a common way to praise a cathartic line, plot turn, ending, or real-life response.

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