“멘붕” is a Korean word meaning “Mental Breakdown”. Not surprisingly it is short for something, in this case”멘탈 붕괴”. Oh, Korean and your shortening of everything (Sand & Coffee, anyone?)
Quick break down (See what I did there?):
“멘탈” means “mental”, as in the English word written with the Korean script, Hangeul.
”붕괴” means “Break Down”. The shortened version is more slang and seems to be mostly used by Koreans under about 25.
I have heard Koreans use this in two ways. My students have used it in a way that is equivalent to “Brain Fart” when another student is unable to answer a simple question. I have also heard adults use it in a way that seems to mean “being distressed” after something unpleasant happened to them.
Great Analysis!
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