Nuance Dictionary / Sounds & Sensations
슬금슬금 seul-geum-seul-geum
Stealthily creeping away or backing out of sight to dodge an awkward task, eye contact, or responsibility.
What does 슬금슬금 mean?
슬금슬금 (seul-geum-seul-geum) means: Stealthily creeping away or backing out of sight to dodge an awkward task, eye contact, or responsibility.
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How it's actually used
- 엄마가 설거지 얘기 꺼내니까 동생이 슬금슬금 뒷걸음질 치더라고.
eom-maga seol-geo-ji yae-gi kkeo-nae-ni-kka dong-saeng-i seul-geum-seul-geum dwit-geor-eum-jil chi-deora-go.
The moment mom brought up doing the dishes, my younger sibling started stealthily backing away.
💡 Captures the classic 'dodge-the-chore' retreat where timing is everything. - 눈이 마주치자마자 그는 슬금슬금 자리에서 일어났다.
nun-i ma-ju-chi-ja-ma-ja geu-neun seul-geum-seul-geum jar-i-eseo il-eonat-da.
As soon as our eyes met, he stealthily got up from his seat.
💡 Highlights physical escape fueled by sudden social awkwardness. - 분위기가 이상해지니까 다들 슬금슬금 눈치를 보기 시작했다.
bun-wi-gi-ga i-sang-hae-ji-ni-kka da-deul seul-geum-seul-geum nun-chi-reul bo-gi si-jak-haet-da.
As the mood turned weird, everyone started cautiously reading the room and inching away.
💡 Extends the word from physical movement to psychological distancing.
Related words in Sounds & Sensations
시끌시끌 si-kkeul-si-kkeul싱싱 sing-sing싱글벙글 singgeul-beonggeul속속 sok-sok솔솔 sol-sol