긁

"Geulg" began to be actively used in internet communities starting in the early 2020s. It was significantly influenced by internet broadcasting platforms like Twitch and AfreecaTV, leading to the widespread use of its passive form, "geulkhida" (to be provoked/triggered).

"Geulg" is an internet slang term derived from the Korean verb "geulda," which originally means "to scratch" or "to offend someone's feelings." In the context of internet broadcasting, "geulgneunda" (to scratch/provoke) refers to actions that upset or anger a streamer, and the person who gets offended is said to have "geulkhyeotda" (been scratched/provoked/triggered). It is primarily used to mock or anger an opponent, often shortened to "Geulg," "-Geulg-," or "Geulg?"

Initially, there was a strong perception that the one "geulgneun" (provoking) was the winner, and the one "geulkhineun" (being provoked) was the loser. However, over time, when someone is losing a logical argument or has nothing left to say, they often use "Geulg?" to achieve a "mental victory" without admitting defeat. This can also be used to provoke the opponent and evade discussion when at a disadvantage in an argument. More recently, it's also used when one gets angry or frustrated by illogical statements, expressing it as "I've been geulkhyeotda" (I've been triggered/provoked by that).

"Geulg" (pronounced roughly like "guhl-g," with the 'uh' sound as in "cup" and a soft 'g' at the end).

Primarily used by internet community users and internet broadcasting viewers.

• You might reply "Geulg?" to mock someone who is clearly angered by your comment.
• When losing a logical argument in an online debate and having nothing left to say, one might declare "Geulg?" to achieve a "mental victory."
• If your argument is challenged, you might respond with a contextless "Geulg?" to evade further discussion.
• When feeling frustrated by an illogical statement, you might express it as "Ah, I've been geulkhyeotda by that comment" (meaning, "I've been triggered/provoked by that").

"Geulg" is inherently harmful in its intent and origin, as it was created to provoke others with baseless insults and then mock them if they react. Public opinion regarding "Geulg?" in internet communities is generally negative; it is often criticized, along with "Nukalhyup" (another meme), as slang that degrades community discussions and comment sections. Saying "Geulg?" during a discussion is akin to declaring, "I have no logic, so I will withdraw from this discussion," and is considered the lowest form of behavior, where one tries to appear victorious in an argument by angering the opponent when lacking a logical basis.