What does 아싸 (assa) mean?
- 아싸assa
Outsider, loner
Casual: friends and people younger than you
아싸 (assa) is Korean slang for an outsider, someone who doesn't really fit into the popular crowd or prefers to keep to themselves. It is short for 아웃사이더, the English word "outsider", and is the opposite of 인싸 (insa).
Where it comes from
It is a shortened form of 아웃사이더 (outsider). Be aware that 앗싸, a happy cheer like "Yay!" or "Yes!", sounds the same when spoken, so context tells you which one it is.
How to use 아싸
People often call themselves 아싸 in a self-mocking way, for example at college when they eat alone or skip group events. 자발적 아싸 ("voluntary outsider") is someone who chooses to be on their own and is happy that way.
Calling someone else an 아싸 can sting, so be careful. Saying it about yourself is usually light and humorous.
If you hear 앗싸! shouted after winning a game or getting good news, it is the cheer "Yay!", not "outsider".
Examples
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Joking about your social life
Talking about university days
Explaining why you like eating alone
Other ways to say it
| Korean | Meaning | When |
|---|---|---|
| 자발적 아싸 | Voluntary outsider | Someone happily on their own. |
| 인싸 | Insider, popular person | The opposite. |
| 앗싸 | Yay! / Yes! | A cheer that sounds the same. Different word. |
Questions learners ask
What does assa mean in Korean?
As slang, 아싸 means an outsider or loner, from the English "outsider". It is the opposite of 인싸 (insider).
Why do Koreans shout assa when they win?
That is 앗싸, a cheer like "Yay!" or "Yes!". It sounds the same as 아싸 (outsider) but is a different word.
Is calling someone assa rude?
It can be. People often use it about themselves as a joke, but calling someone else an outsider may hurt.