Happy National Tea Day! 
Word: Dalgona
Part of Speech: Noun
Pronunciation: /ˈdæl.ɡoʊ.nə/
Rhymes with: Arizona, persona
Definition
Dalgona refers to a traditional Korean confection made by adding baking soda to melted sugar. The mixture is heated until it caramelizes, then poured into a mold and flattened into a disc. Often, a simple shape such as a star, heart, or triangle is pressed into the surface. Popularly known as “dalgona candy” or “ppopgi,” it is a nostalgic treat for many Koreans and has gained international fame in recent years.
Etymology
- First Recorded Use: 2009
- Origin: The word “dalgona” derives from the Korean term 달고나, which comes from the word 달다 (dalda), meaning “sweet.” The name reflects the candy’s sugary flavor and simple preparation. The treat became widely recognized as a nostalgic street food in South Korea during the mid-20th century.
Meaning & Use
Dalgona holds cultural and culinary significance in Korea, often evoking feelings of nostalgia for childhood. Traditionally sold by street vendors, the candy became popular for the game associated with it: children would attempt to cut out the pressed shape without breaking the candy, a test of skill and patience.
Modern Use:
- Dalgona has become a global phenomenon due to its appearance in the Netflix series Squid Game, where contestants played the shape-cutting game under high-stakes circumstances.
- It has also inspired variations like dalgona coffee, a whipped coffee drink that gained immense popularity during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Synonyms
- Korean Sugar Candy
- Ppopgi (a regional name)
- Caramelized Candy
- Flat Sugar Treat
Examples
- Historical Usage:
- 2009: “There are some traditional sweets that adult Koreans are familiar with, such as ‘dalgona,’ made with sugar and baking soda.” – Korea Herald
- Cultural Popularity:
- 2021: “The origins of the dalgona cookies are not entirely clear but seem to have first appeared in South Korea, where they are known as ‘ppopgi’ in the 1960s.” – The Sun
- Modern Craze:
- 2022: “Netflix had just released ‘Squid Game,’ the Korean smash hit that made fans flock to dalgona candy. Many took to TikTok to recreate the inexpensive sweet treat.” – Boston Globe
Pronunciation
Dalgona is pronounced as /ˈdæl.ɡoʊ.nə/.
- Rhyming Words:
- Arizona: Think of the warm caramel tones of dalgona candy, much like the sun-soaked hues of Arizona.
- Persona: Just as dalgona has gained its global persona, its name is fun to say and easy to remember.
Phonetic Breakdown:
- Dal: /dæl/ – Rhymes with “pal.”
- Go: /ɡoʊ/ – Rhymes with “show.”
- Na: /nə/ – Rhymes with “Anna.”
Frequency and Modern Recognition
While once a niche Korean street treat, dalgona has seen a resurgence in global recognition thanks to cultural exports like Squid Game. Social media platforms, especially TikTok, played a significant role in reviving the candy’s popularity, with users recreating the treat and attempting the shape-cutting challenge.
Compounds and Derived Words
- Dalgona Candy: Refers to the original confection pressed into discs.
- Dalgona Coffee: A whipped coffee drink inspired by the airy texture of the candy, made with instant coffee, sugar, and water.
- Dalgona Game: The challenge of cutting out the shape on the candy without breaking it.
Conclusion
Dalgona is more than just a sugary treat; it’s a symbol of Korean nostalgia, creativity, and resilience. Its rise to global fame demonstrates the universal appeal of simple pleasures and the way culture can transcend borders. Whether enjoyed as candy, reimagined in coffee, or experienced through pop culture, dalgona has secured its place as a beloved delicacy with a rich history.
So, next time you hear the word “dalgona,” think of its sweetness, its playful challenge, and the warmth it brings—not just to your taste buds, but to the stories it carries from Korean street corners to global screens.
