Dlib

“Dlib” (드립, Deulib), or “Drip”,¹⁾ is a Korean term describing cheap jokes that come across as nonsensical or inappropriate, though it can also be used for nonsensical statements. The term stems from ad lib (애드리브, aedeulibeu), though improv is a more accurate translation.²⁾

Summary

It actually stems from a DC Inside community using “gaedlib” (개드립)³⁾ to describe boring, unfunny improv, then “-dlib” (～드립) became a suffix to describe types of jokes. For instance, there is “paedlib” (패드립)⁴⁾ which describe insults to one's family and “goindlib” (고인드립)⁵⁾ for jokes about the deceased.⁶⁾ Depending on context and usage, the term “dlib” can be interpreted in many different ways:

From a positive perspective, it means to “be blunt about”, “satirize”, or “joke about” the subject.
From a neutral perspective, it means to “immediately respond” or “react” to the subject.
From a negative perspective, it means to “make nonsensical/unfounded statements”, “make improper remarks”, or “make insensitive blunt remarks” about the subject.

Of course, keep in mind that “dlib” is mainly used amongst teenagers and young adults that do engage with digital communities that have a light, playful atmosphere, though some might consider the concept to be uncultured. If you use it with middle-aged or elderly people and people who rarely use the internet, it probably won't have as much of an effect.

5= Notable types 4= Regional Dlib Jiyeogdlib (지역드립, lit. “Regional Dlib”)⁷⁾ are jokes that rely on regional stereotypes. Depending on the intent, it may come across as discriminatory or politically insensitive, which is why these jokes are mostly encountered on the internet and why public figures often avoid them.⁸⁾ These types of jokes have a history with DC Inside,⁹⁾ exploding in popularity after Kia Tigers' fans got cocky after the 2009 KBO season.¹⁰⁾

You can find a detailed list of these the Namu Wiki, which covers the provinces within South Korea and North Korea before going over a handful of international subregions.

Notes

In the Korean internet, overusing these jokes may get you called a “geubsigche” (급식체).¹¹⁾

External links

Dlib on NamuWiki

¹⁾

Without context, “deulib” (드립) is interpreted as “drip” which usually refers to a drop of liquid, a slow leak, or liquid falling in drops (dripping). In the late 2010s, it became a term for a sense of style or fashion.

²⁾

Both words do mean the same thing, but do note that “ad lib” is relatively uncommon compared to “improv”.

³⁾

“Gaedlib” (개드립, gaedeulib) is a portmanteau of “gae” (개, lit. “dog”) with “dlib” (드립, deulib). It's often mistranslated literally as “dog drip”, as seen on the Korean forums dogdrip.net. Some translations may also romanize it as “gadrip”/“gadlip”, or completely misinterpret it as “gadfly” (gadflies).

⁴⁾

“Paedlib” (패드립, paedeulib) is a portmanteau of “paemilli” (패밀리, lit. “family”) with “dlib” (드립, deulib).

⁵⁾

“Goindlib” (고인드립, goindeulib) is a portmanteau of “goin” (고인, lit. “dead”) with “dlib” (드립, deulib).

⁶⁾

Due to the impact of Confucianism shaping Korean morals, it's generally considered extreme to insult or joke about one's family or deceased relative(s).

⁷⁾

“Jiyeogdlib” (지역드립, jiyeogdeulib) is a portmanteau of “jiyeog” (지역, lit. “regional”) with “dlib” (드립).

⁸⁾

There used to be a time where public figures (e.g. businessmen, celebrities, politicians) would just get away with anti-pluralist remarks, but the advent of the internet meant that such jokes could be career suicide.

⁹⁾

In the early days, their users compared Daegu to Gotham City (Batman), Gwangju to Raccoon City (Resident Evil), Incheon to the Demon's World, and Seoul to SimCity.

¹⁰⁾

On the Baseball Gallery, the Kia Tigers won the 2009 Korean Series and their fans went overboard with the banter, so when the 2010 Tigers performed poorly, fans of the other teams sent it back their way.

¹¹⁾

“Geubsigche” (급식체) is a portmanteau of “geubsig” (급식, lit. “school lunch”), the slang for elementary to high school students as they get it for free, and “che” (체) which means “writing style” in this context.

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Table of Contents

Dlib

Summary

Notes

External links