Nuance Dictionary / Slang & Internet Culture
스불재 seub-ul-jae
The self-inflicted exhaustion of taking on too many projects, classes, or tasks out of ambition, leaving you drowning in your own choices.
What does 스불재 mean?
스불재 (seub-ul-jae) means: The self-inflicted exhaustion of taking on too many projects, classes, or tasks out of ambition, leaving you drowning in your own choices.
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How it's actually used
- 다음 주 마감인 프로젝트를 세 개나 자원하다니, 완전 스불재야.
da-eum ju mag-am-in pro-jek-teu-reul se gae-na ja-won-ha-ni, wan-jeon seub-ul-jae-ya.
Volunteering for three projects due next week—I am the definition of my own worst enemy.
💡 Shows how natives use the term to instantly acknowledge that their current suffering is entirely their own fault. - 스케줄을 이렇게 꽉 채운 내 잘못이지 뭐... 스불재야, 스불재.
seu-ke-jul-eul i-reo-ke kkwak chae-un nae jal-mot-i-ji mwo... seub-ul-jae-ya, seub-ul-jae.
It's my own fault for packing my schedule this tight... I did this to myself.
💡 Repeating the word adds a rhythmic, weary emphasis when venting to a close friend. - 이 모든 게 스불재라는 걸 알면서도 자격증 공부를 또 신청했다.
i mo-deun ge seub-ul-jae-ra-neun geol al-myeon-seo-do ja-gyeok-jeung gong-bu-reul tto sin-cheong-haet-da.
Even knowing this is all a self-made trap, I signed up for another certificate study course anyway.
💡 Highlights the compulsive overachiever loop where you knowingly walk into your next burnout.