Learn Korean Slang – “No Jams”

Isn’t it funny that the first thing people often learn when learning a new language are curse words? That’s something that surprised me as a child when a couple of my cousins came to the States from South Korea. I was shocked at how much they knew.

But you know what? It’s kind of important to the those curse words and slang so that (1) they know if someone is insulting them and (2) they can use it themselves and not sound robotic.

Although you won’t find Korean curse words here…unless I have a particular bad day….I do like to explore slang. And this is one of the cuter ones. Although it may only be because of how it was presented.

What’s “No Jams” About?

Nope, we’re talking about running out of jam for your toast. Or not having any music because the battery died on your iPod. It’s a Korean slang phrase!

Here’s the backstory….

Not too long ago my sis volunteered her time to help out with some underprivileged kids in Seoul.

Well, one particular little boy was especially rambunctious. (There’s always a class clown, isn’t there?) But he was sweet and playful and full of jokes. And here’s one of the jokes he told;

Little Boy: Teacher, what do you get when you replace the “h” in “ham” with a “j”?
My sis: Jam?
Little Boy: Jam!… No Jam!

“No jam” or “no jams” has been and still is a current catch phrase of sorts in South Korea. It means no fun or boring.

Let’s break it down to make sense of it.

The “no” in “no jam(s)” comes from the English meaning the same thing…no means “no.”

Then the “jam” is shortened from the Korean for fun (jaemi – 재미). So it becomes “jam” – 잼…phonetically, it’s more like “jems” instead of “jams” but I’m probably nit picking there….just say it fast and nobody will be able to tell. 😉 Lol!

There’s often an “s” tacked on to “jam”. I think that’s just a Konglish invention to make it plural. This is probably how it’s most often used, i.e. “You got no jams.” This means, “You’re no fun” or “You’re boring.”

Many people attribute this phrase to Rap Monster from k-pop group Bangtan Boys (BTS), when he insulted another member, Jimin. However, it appears that “no jams” was in use before that. But who really knows? More importantly, who cares?

I don’t know about you, but you’ll only catch me saying “You got no jams” or “no jams” sarcastically or ironically. Because to say it as it was originally intended would make this ahjumma (Korean for middle-aged or married woman) look like a wannabe idiot. It’s infinitely cuter coming from a particularly playful little boy in Seoul!

Did you already know about “no jams?” How about other Korean slang? Share in the comments!…but keep it clean! 🤔