된장

doenjang; a thick, salty Korean fermented soybean paste used as a seasoning and as a base for soups and stews

Etymology

From Korean 된, the attributive form of 되다 meaning “to become thick, hard, or fermented,” plus 장 from Sino-Korean 醬, “sauce; paste.”

Character Breakdown

Collocations

a mild or humorous euphemistic exclamation expressing annoyance, frustration, or dismay; roughly “Darn!” or “Damn!”

Etymology

A euphemistic use of the noun 된장, chosen for its sound and comic effect as a milder substitute for stronger exclamations such as 젠장.

Character Breakdown

Collocations