Korean Q&A - What does 웃음기 mean?
Today’s question is about the meaning of the phrase "웃음기 싹 뺐어요.” To understand what this sentences means, you need to know both 웃음기 and 싹. First, 웃음기 is a combination of 웃음 (laughter) + 기 (氣 = energy, vibe). So together it means the “atmosphere/vibe of laughter”. And 싹 means “completely” in this case, so together with 싹 뺐어요, it means that you’ve removed it completely. All together 웃음기 싹 뺐어요 means that you are being serious or made something serious for a change. Watch this video lesson to learn about some other words where the -기 ending has a similar role!