Koreans have the tendency to adjust some English vocabulary so they can pronounce it easier and claim they know the language. They call it Konglish. I think it's stupid. Either learn the word or don't. This causes a lot of confusion sometimes especially when they start mixing one or two konglish word in their Korean language. What's worse is that they'll find Filipinoes stupid and liars if we don't immediately understand their Konglish. They believe it's enough to be understood. And since Filipinoes keep boasting we're proficient in English, yet we didn't understand their Konglish, we lied to them. That, or we're so stupid that we can't understand the most basic English.
Add the fact that Korean language often require an additional vowel in the end. The English word "band aid" is a bit too long for them that they shortened it to "band". Then add the vowel "u" pronounced as "uh" in "duh" would make the Konglish word "bendu".
Some years ago at work, when everyone was rushing out to get a ride back home, some of us were left behind to tend to some machines. Ordinary stuff like cleaning and what not. That day, there was a small add-on installed on the machine I was working with (I think it was an air regulator). By accident, my arm was caught at a moving needle and I ended up bleeding quite profusely, despite the thinnest wound I see. It was a critical moment where I have to keep on doing my job, chasing some dirt to clean before the solvent evaporates. So doing that, I asked one of my officials to get me some "bendu". I heard no footsteps so I repeated my request 3 times. I popped my head out and noticed that this superior or mine was ignoring me and just basking in his pride, looking at the newly installed thing, boasting to whomever about such an accomplishment. Again, I politely addressed him and requested for a band aid, if not a first aid kit while pointing at my wound. And again, I was ignored. This pissed me off and fortunately I was done with cleaning. With my left arm soaked in paint, solvent, and a lot of blood, I stumped past the official while muttering Ilokano words. Cursing them for not taking care of their employees.
It didn't matter if they understood what I said. They know I got issues whenever I do that. Good thing too, that I found another superior of mine. She was very much in a hurry so I just shouted I need a band aid. You see, there's also this annoying attitude of Koreans, where they ask you "why/what for" almost all the time, despite the obvious need for help. They even ask "why" as if you automatically did something wrong. So she asked me that, I just had my still bleeding wound in front of her face. This time, the official who ignored me, felt embarrassed and went straight to giving me a band aid. Yep! All because he didn't want me to bother another official when I'm supposed to be under his care.
It didn't end there. This official talked to my trainer (work related) for about a minute. I went back to cleaning the rest of the machine. This trainer came to me telling me "it's my fault". Because I didn't make it clear what "bendu" I'm requiring. Either a "band aid" or "something that bends," and I didn't clarify which one. I was too upset to argue. I just want to be done with the day and go home.
But lastly, he even had the nerve of demanding me to thank him for teaching me proper Konglish.
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