Expressions #6: Belly Buttons, Balls, Tails, and Feet

The Nine-Tailed Fox (picture #6)

In legends, the nine-tailed fox is a monster that disguises itself as a beautiful woman. It needs a tenth tail to become human, and in order to acquire one, it tries to seduce a man to eat his liver (a symbol of courage and vitality).

In modern days, 아홉 꼬리 여우 = “nine-tailed fox” = temptress; 불여우 = “flaming fox” = female scoundrel.

That, and “He left his balls at home on his wedding day” (#3) and the Korean version of “Were you born in a barn?” (#8) are my favorites.

**These expressions are from How Koreans Talk: A Collection of Expressions.For more in-depth explanations, buy the book.

Which are your favorites this week?

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