- BTS showcases their charms and ‘ice’ in their second English-language song, ‘Butter’
- BIBI sings about falling in love on her hit single ‘The Weekend’, while GOT the Beat teaches you to step up and be unique
“But mum, I’m not just listening to BTS - I’m learning English!” Photo: Getty Images for The Recording Academy/TNSWhile it’s true that most K-pop songs tend to be in Korean, many of the groups’ names and song titles have English words and phrases, and artists are releasing more English singles to cater to a global audience. Though some English lyrics in K-pop can sound silly, we can still learn some useful and exciting terms from these catchy songs. Here are eight expressions that will add a beat to your writing.
6 more English phrases from K-pop songs to level up your writing
Duck and dodge
Meaning: to avoid answering questions or dealing with a situation, or to physically move to avoid something. The idiom appeared in Korean-American singer AleXa’s 2022 song “Wonderland” to describe a partner climbing over the barriers she put up to protect herself from getting hurt in a relationship.
Example: Tom had to duck and dodge to escape the flocks of tourists taking pictures in Central.
Ice on your wrist
Meaning: to wear an expensive watch or bracelet. “Ice” is slang for expensive jewellery, usually diamonds or gold. World-class boy band BTS used the phrase in their second English-language song, “Butter”, to showcase their charms, singing: “Ice on my wrist, I’m the nice guy/ Got the right body and the right mind.” Released in 2021, the upbeat track talks about self-confidence, self-love, and being smooth like butter.
Example: Maryam’s new boyfriend is super rich – you can tell by the ice on his wrist.
9 idioms from hit songs to help you raise the bar on your English writing
Jump off the deep end
Meaning: to fall deeply in love with someone. Singer-songwriter BIBI used the phrase in her English single “The Weekend” to talk about being stuck in a cycle of toxic love, singing: “You only call me on the weekend/ You only love me when we freaking/ You got me jumping off the deep end.”
Example: Victoria jumped off the deep end and married a man after only a month.
Lose your grip
Meaning: to lose control of your thoughts and emotions. Boy band Cravity used the phrase in their first-ever English single “Boogie Woogie”, released in 2022. This upbeat, happy song invites listeners to put aside their worries and enjoy the summer fun.
Example: When Lillian is stressed about studying for an exam, her anxiety consumes her, and she tends to lose her grip.
Put a muzzle on it
Meaning: to stop talking and be quiet. Vernon, a member of K-pop boy band Seventeen, used the phrase in his 2022 solo track “Black Eye”. The song is about people’s struggles and loneliness, while the phrase showcases how it can be challenging for people to reveal their thoughts as they are afraid of being judged.
Example: Put a muzzle on it, Josh! You are at the library, so keep quiet.
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Ride or die
Meaning: someone who is extremely loyal and willing to support their friend or loved one no matter the situation. Yuqi, a member of girl group (G)I-dle, used the phrase in her 2021 solo track “Bonnie and Clyde” to describe a relationship with someone you trust and support wholeheartedly, singing: “We don’t need money to feel good/ Cause you’re the ride-or-die the rest of my life.”
Example: My daughter is my ride-or-die and I would offer her unconditional love and support.
Put your stamp on something
Meaning: to add your unique style to something or affect change in some way. In the 2023 dance song “Stamp on It” by SM Entertainment’s subunit girl group GOT the Beat, the septet uses this idiom to encourage people to step up for what they believe in.
Example: My backpack looked a little plain, so I put my stamp on it with some fun buttons and stickers.
Walk the line
Meaning: to control your behaviour to fit social rules and norms. The phrase was used in Enhypen’s “Future Perfect (Pass the MIC)”, released last July, to complain about the rules the group had to follow and how they would break them to make things easier for the next generation of stars.
Example: The band never walks the line in their industry; they are always open to experimenting with their music and trying new things at their concerts.