What does “Khum” mean?
In today’s fast-paced world of social media, every “trend” is quickly embraced and spread by the youth. In an instant, you could be left behind, labeled as “old-fashioned” for not keeping up. So, what does “khum” mean, where did it originate from, and when should you use it? Let’s find out!
1 Understanding the Meaning of “Khum”
According to the Vietnamese dictionary, “Khum” is a verb that describes the action of bending or curving something into a shape resembling a tortoise shell, like “curving your body” or “cupping your hands.” It becomes an adjective when referring to the curved or concave shape of an object, similar to the aforementioned tortoise shell.
However, the “khum” that is commonly used on Facebook and spoken by the younger generation belongs to a different context. It is a slang term used by Gen Z (those born between 1996 and 2010) and it simply means “no.” Instead of bluntly saying “no,” they use “khum,” which sounds more adorable and gentle.
Unraveling the Meaning of “Khum”
2 The Origins and Rise of “Khum”
While no one knows for sure who coined the term “khum,” it gained traction and widespread use thanks to a group of administrators of the “Gen Z Radio” Fanpage. This page is dedicated to sharing the daily, lighthearted, and humorous stories of young people in their early twenties. From there, “khum” spread like wildfire across social media platforms like Facebook and Instagram.
Unveiling the Origins of “Khum”
3 Using the Term “Khum”
“Khum” may sound cute, but when should you use it and how? Here are some examples of how to incorporate “khum” into your vocabulary:
When inviting your friends out for a stroll or to hang out, instead of asking, “Do you want to hang out?” try saying, “Let’s hang out, khum?”
To decline or deny something, you can also use “khum” like this: “I khum want to go,” or “I khum like that idea.”
If someone confesses their love to you and you’re not interested, a simple “Khum!” will do the trick.
However, it’s important to refrain from using “khum” in formal or professional settings, such as at work, when writing emails, or when speaking to your boss. Overusing slang can also make the Vietnamese language more complicated and difficult to understand, so use it sparingly.
Mastering the Art of Using “Khum”
In conclusion, “khum” is a charming way to decline or deny something, or to answer a question in place of “no.” However, it’s best to reserve its use for casual conversations with friends and avoid overusing it.
We hope that this explanation has helped you understand the meaning and proper usage of “khum,” allowing you to stay up-to-date with the latest trends among the youth.