Raising What does mukbang mean? The video trend, explained for parents
What does mukbang mean? A "mukbang" is an online video in which someone eats a large amount of food while talking to viewers, as if they were sharing a meal. The word comes from Korean meokbang, from meok, "eat," and bang(song), "broadcast." Dictionary.com dates it in English to 2010–15. It isn't slang for anything rude; it's the name of a video genre.
Mukbang at a glance
| Means | An online video of someone eating a large amount of food while talking to viewers source |
|---|---|
| From | Korean meokbang: meok "eat" + bang(song) "broadcast" |
| In English | Recorded 2010–15, per Dictionary.com |
| Rude? | No |
Checked October 2026. Slang changes fast; meanings can differ between groups of kids.
What does mukbang mean?
Short answer: An eating show.
- A mukbang is a video of someone eating a big meal on camera.
- The host usually talks to viewers while eating.
- Kids may say "I'm doing a mukbang" when they film themselves eating.
Where mukbang comes from
According to Dictionary.com, the word comes from Korean meokbang: meok means "eat" and bang(song) means "broadcast." It was first recorded in English between 2010 and 2015.
Is mukbang a bad word?
Short answer: No. It's the name of a type of video.
The habit kids may copy: eating as a show
Mukbangs are about the amount and the reaction. Kids who watch them may want to film their own meals.
Try tonight: a slow bite
At dinner, take one bite slowly together and ask: "What do you taste? Are you still hungry?" In our program, this is the lesson "Enough": noticing what's already here.
FAQ
What is a mukbang?
An online video of someone eating a large amount of food while talking to viewers.
What language is mukbang?
Korean: meok, "eat," plus bang(song), "broadcast."
When did mukbang enter English?
Dictionary.com dates it to 2010–15.
Is mukbang slang?
It's a Korean loanword for a type of video; Dictionary.com lists it as an ordinary noun.
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