Nuance Dictionary / Culture & Language
답정너 dab-jeong-neo
A rhetorical trap where the answer is predetermined and the listener's only job is to deliver it
What does 답정너 mean?
답정너 (dab-jeong-neo) means: A rhetorical trap where the answer is predetermined and the listener's only job is to deliver it.
Initially born as internet slang to tease people seeking compliments, it actually describes a deeply ingrained social dynamic. It is less about manipulation and more about asking for emotional reassurance without appearing overly needy.
🎙️ 답정너는 표기 그대로 읽지 않아요 — 실제로는 [답쩡너]로 소리나요 (경음화). 발음 연습하기 →
How it's actually used
- 내가 살이 쪘다고 말해주길 바라는 질문 자체가 딱 답정너야.
nae-ga sal-i jjeot-da-go mal-hae-ju-gil ba-ra-neun jil-mun ja-che-ga ttak dab-jeong-neo-ya.
Asking that question in hopes I'll tell you you've gained weight is textbook answer-predetermined behavior.
💡 Calls out fishing for a specific response. - 칭찬을 강요하는 그런 답정너 스타일의 대화는 솔직히 좀 피곤해.
ching-chan-eul gang-yo-ha-neun geu-reon dab-jeong-neo seut-a-il-ui dae-hwa-neun sol-jik-hi jom pi-gon-hae.
Honestly, that kind of conversational style where you trap people into praising you is exhausting.
💡 Expresses annoyance at social manipulation. - 답정너 짓 그만하고 네가 진짜로 어떻게 생각하는지 솔직하게 말해봐.
dab-jeong-neo jit geu-man-ha-go ne-ga jin-jja-ro eo-tteoh-ge saeng-g-ak-ha-neun-ji sol-jik-ha-ge mal-hae-bwa.
Stop fishing for compliments and just tell me honestly what you actually think.
💡 A direct confrontation against someone's rhetorical trap.
Related words in Culture & Language
칭찬 ching-chan불안 bul-an동의 dong-ui미안하다 mi-an-ha-da죄송하다 joe-song-ha-da