Why Do Koreans Say “Fighting”?

It’s common to hear “fighting” or rather “hwaiting” (because there’s no “f” sound in the Korean language) in Korean television shows and movies. And it’s usually said whilst pumping a fist, or both fists, in the air.

So what’s it mean?

Well, it’s actually from the English word “fighting.” Except that when Koreans say it, they don’t mean fisticuffs. No one is actually physically fighting.

Koreans usually say it as encouragement. It’s the same thing as saying “You can do this!” or “Let’s go!” or something of that nature.

And as ubiquitous as it is in Korean media, it’s not an official Korean word…as far as I know. It’s just slang.

Where did it come from?

No one is really sure where the term “fighting” came from or rather how it was introduced into the Korean vernacular. Some theorize that it was from the Japanese term “hwaito” which means to fight. Which is why some people insist it’s “hwaiting” not “pighting” (Konglish for “fighting”).

Others think that it came from a shortened version of the “fighting spirit” in terms of sports.

And yet others attribute the origins to a popular Korean show called “Full House.” But I’ll have to disagree with this one because that show aired in the 2000’s and the term “fighting” has been around for decades, maybe since the 1960’s!

No “fighting” please

Even though, to be perfectly honest, it gets on my nerves, I must admit that it is a succinct way to encourage or cheer someone on (or even yourself)…if you can get over how saccharin sweet it looks and often sounds.

I’m just glad that it became popular after my parent’s time because my fragile teenage ego couldn’t have handled the embarrassment had they said that in public. 😲 Ironically though, I will have no problem saying it to my kid in front of his friends on their way to take an exam. Mwahahaha! 😈

So do you say “fighting?” Or has a Korean said it to you and taken you aback? Dish in the comments!

For another tale of Konglish, check out what happened to my sister here!