Hogu

Hogu is a term that can refer to several different things depending on language and context. There is no single, universally recognized definition for hogu in English-language sources. The most established contemporary use is as a romanization of the Korean word 호구, a slang term.

In Korean slang, 호구 (hogu) describes a gullible or easily taken-advantage-of person, such as someone who can be easily swindled in a market or scam, or a consumer who is overcharged. The term is common in online communities, memes, and casual speech. A related, more strong term is 호갱 (hogeng), which also refers to someone perceived as having been gouged or excessively overcharged.

Other uses of the string hogu may occur as a proper noun in different languages, including as a surname or a place name. These uses are not standardized or widely documented in English-language references, and their meaning depends on the specific local language and context.

Because hogu can have multiple origins and applications, the intended meaning is typically dictated by surrounding text or conversation. When encountering the term, clarity often comes from identifying whether the reference is linguistic (Korean slang) or a proper noun in another language.

See also: 호구, 호갱.