Abstract

In the Korean language '-tori'(돌이) is often used when referring to a man and '-suni'(순이) is likewise used for a woman conventionally. In the latter half of the 1950's they were used to form slang words meaning‘a type of people'. This study aims to find the characteristics of the Korean slang expressions which are generated with '-tori'(돌이), '-suni'(순이). The results of this study can be summarized as follows: 1) In Korean '-tori'(돌이), '-suni'(순이) are used like a suffix generating some slang words meaning‘a type of people'. '-tori'(돌이) represents 'a man' and '-suni'(순이) represents 'a woman'. We can form many slang words by using '-tori'(돌이), '-suni'(순이). 2) They have both the referential meaning(implying occupation, class, character, behavior, appearances etc.) and emotive meaning. The emotive meaning expressed by them changes according to the dialogue situation. 3) The slang expressions with '-tori'(돌이) and '-suni'(순이) are asymmetrical in sex, especially when they represent one's occupation, character, behavior, appearance etc. 4) The purpose of using the slang expressions can be related as follows: ① to express something humorously ② to keep a close relationship with someone ③ to express one's feelings directly ④ to be in accord with the 'minimax principle'