Korean word

멱살잡이

Pronunciation

Romanizationmyeokssaljabi

Meaning

  • noungrabbing by the collar

Example

버스에서 두 사람이 멱살잡이를 하고 있었다.peo seu e seo tu sa ra mi myeok ssal ja bi reul ha go i sseot tta

Two people were grabbing each other by the collar on the bus.

Illustration for 멱살잡이 (grabbing by the collar)

More examples

말다툼이 격해져 두 사람이 멱살잡이를 벌였다.mal da tu mi kyeo kae jeo tu sa ra mi myeok ssal ja bi reul peo ryeot tta

As the argument grew heated, the two people got into a collar-grabbing scuffle.

Core concept

A physical tussle in which people seize each other by the collar.

Common phrases

  • 멱살잡이를 하다myeok ssal ja bi reul ha da

    engage in collar-grabbing

  • 멱살잡이를 당하다myeok ssal ja bi reul tang ha da

    be grabbed by the collar

Similar words

폭력pongnyeok: An act of using physical force, threats, or both to harm another person.
싸움ssaum: A dispute between people that may involve words or physical action.
몸싸움momssaum: A physical struggle in which people push, grapple, or collide with their bodies.
주먹질chumeokjjil: A fight or attack carried out by hitting with closed fists.

Definition in Korean

다른 사람의 멱살을 잡고 싸우는 몸싸움이나 그런 상황.ta reun sa ra mui myeok ssa reul chap kko ssa u neun mom ssa u mi na keu reon sang hwang

Word origin

The noun combines a Korean word for the neck or collar area with a noun-forming element related to grabbing, creating the image of a collar-grabbing fight.

Usage tips

  • Unlike a simple collar grab in English, this word usually describes a rough scuffle between people, so it suits reports of a physical confrontation.

Other meanings

  • collar-grabbing tusslenoun

Opposites

Related words

Word lists with this word