Nuance Dictionary / Social Dynamics
능글맞다 neung-geul-mat-da
Sly, overly smooth, and shamelessly slick in a slightly annoying way
What does 능글맞다 mean?
능글맞다 (neung-geul-mat-da) means: Sly, overly smooth, and shamelessly slick in a slightly annoying way.
A '능글맞은' person can effortlessly joke their way out of trouble or flirt without an ounce of embarrassment. They are completely immune to awkwardness, which makes them both charismatic and suspicious.
🎙️ 능글맞다는 표기 그대로 읽지 않아요 — 실제로는 [능글맏따]로 소리나요 (경음화, 받침규칙). 발음 연습하기 →
How it's actually used
- 저 사람은 진짜 능글맞아서 화도 못 내겠어.
Jeo saram-eun jinjja neunggeulmajaseo hwado mot naegesseo.
That guy is so slick and smooth that I can't even get mad at him.
💡 Often used for someone who smoothly dodges awkward situations. - 그는 능글맞게 웃으며 또 은근슬쩍 넘어갔다.
Geuneun neunggeulmatge useumyeo tto eungeunseuljjeok neomeogatda.
He gave a sly smile and smoothly brushed it off again.
💡 Describes a slippery, shameless attitude in a narrative context. - 그 사람은 야단을 쳐도 능글맞게 웃어넘겨서 화도 못 내.
geu saram-eun yadaneul chyeodo neunggeulmajge useonmgyeoseo hwado mot nae.
Even when I scold him, he just smiles it off so slyly that I can't even get mad.
💡 Describes a slippery, unflappable charm that disarms frustration.
Related words in Social Dynamics
싹싹하다 ssak-ssak-ha-da무뚝뚝하다 mu-ttuk-ttuk-ha-da깐깐하다 kkan-kkan-ha-da까다롭다 kka-da-rop-da만만하다 man-man-ha-da