Dozen
| Synonyms: | |
| See also: | |
| Click here for related articles on Fanlore. | |
Dozen is a slang term used in English-speaking k-pop fan communities, often during fan wars, as a insult to an idol who is seen as subpar and lacking talent. However, it can more broadly be applied to any one in the industry that a fan dislikes without regards to talent.
The term was first used in a tweet in 2020, and has since spread wildly from its original occurrence in the NCT fandom whose members are called NCTzens.
Origin and Meaning
Dozen began as a side remark on k-pop Twitter regarding former NCT member Lucas. Etymologically, it plays off the similarities in sound between the English words "doesn't" and "dozen." Thus, it is a term that indicates a performer "does not sing, dance, and rap well." [1]
Kprofiles user heejists provides a softer definition in the "Ultimate K-Pop Vocab Guide": "An idol that is regarded as overrated by some people; 'there are a dozen more people just like them'."[2]
General consensus states that the term was first coined in a joke by Twitter user @BAEKHUI on 13 September 2020. The tweet read: "lucas shoulda been named 12 cause he dozen rap .. dozen sing .. dozen do anything" followed by three laughing crying emojis. The tweet has since been deleted, but is preserved in screenshots, such as the one hosted on Know Your Meme.[1]
Spread
Dozen spread outside of the NCTzen community. According to Know Your Meme, more widespread usage of the term picked up around the Fall of 2021.[3] A definition for Dozen was first added to Urban Dictionary on November 21st of that year.[1]
In addition to its prevalence on Twitter, fans have used the term "dozen" in other formats such as in TikTok and YouTube videos.
Criticism
Outside of its original context, dozen has gained some criticism from fans who have found that it will get thrown at idols carelessly. Typically, members with the least amount of screentime and/or lines will receive this label in spite of their talents or other contributions they may make towards the group. Many fans now consider the term to be overused, becoming more of a general insult and losing its original meaning. [4] [5] [6] [7] [8]
References
- ^ a b c https://knowyourmeme.com/memes/dozen-k-pop-slang
- ^ https://kprofiles.com/ultimate-k-pop-vocab-guide/
- ^ https://knowyourmeme.com/memes/dozen-k-pop-slang
- ^ https://www.reddit.com/r/kpoprants/comments/sp7l5d/the_term_dozen_used_by_nctzens_is_now_making_its/
- ^ https://www.reddit.com/r/kpoprants/comments/zy6ri7/can_yall_stop_calling_everybody_a_dozen/
- ^ https://www.reddit.com/r/kpop_uncensored/comments/1dxvudk/the_term_dozen_needs_a_set_definition/
- ^ https://www.reddit.com/r/kpopthoughts/comments/18lyx0r/what_kpop_words_have_lost_all_meaning/
- ^ https://www.reddit.com/r/unpopularkpopopinions/comments/w4ouxo/the_term_dozen_should_have_stayed_in_the_nct/