0

I'm was watching a drama and came across '코딱지만하다'. I've found out that this means 'tiny' but what is the origin of this word? From what I know, 코딱지 = booger and 만하다 = to be worthy of, but how would these two words form the meaning of 'tiny'?

Thanks

Improve this question
1
  • The correct one is 코딱지만 하다 not 코딱지만하다, and you should read this (No. 4) to understand the meaning of such a phrase or sentence.
    – Klmo
    Commented Apr 14, 2020 at 19:46

1 Answer 1

Reset to default
1

코딱지, used figuratively, can mean something very tiny or worthless. It wouldn't be that hard to think of where this expression came from; booger really is small, and worthless.

As @Klmo said above, it should be 코딱지만 하다. The auxiliary verb 만하다 does exist, but it can only be used with other verbs, as in 이 정도면 할 만하다. Since 코딱지 is a noun, we see that 만하다 cannot be use here, which leaves us only one option: 코딱지만 하다. So you shouldn't interpret this phrase as "worthy of booger". "As tiny as a piece of booger" would be a better translation. Koreans will understand what you mean either way you spell it, but just being technical.

Improve this answer
1
  • Thanks a lot! That makes perfect sense.
    – KrJpnLinguistNoob
    Commented Apr 15, 2020 at 8:48

Your Answer

By clicking “Post Your Answer”, you agree to our terms of service and acknowledge you have read our privacy policy.

Not the answer you're looking for? Browse other questions tagged or ask your own question.