- In Korean culture, a sign of respect for older women, but also a sign of their age. Sometimes translated as “aunt,” calling someone this if they are not above the age of 40 is an insult. Brought into the language by International students from Korea.
Ajuma
noun; other word formation type Loanword
A middle-aged woman.
Etymology : A loanword from Korean, an honorific for middle-aged females.
Source : Conversation with a friend, November 12, 2011. “Stop making that face, you look like an ajuma.”
Last modified: 5 December 2011