Unveiling the Mystery: Why Is It Called "Ojing-eo Geim" (Squid Game)?

The traditional South Korean children's game "Ojing-eo Geim" (오징어 게임) has captivated global attention, largely thanks to the popular Netflix series. But what's in a name? The moniker "Squid Game" isn't arbitrary; it's deeply rooted in the game's visual identity and cultural heritage. Let's explore the fascinating reasons behind its name.

Key Insights into the Name

Direct Translation: The name "Ojing-eo Geim" literally translates from Korean to English as "Squid Game." "오징어" (ojing-eo) means "squid," and "게임" (geim) is the Korean phonetic rendering of the English word "game."
The Squid-Shaped Court: The most significant reason for its name is the shape of the playing field. The lines drawn on the ground to mark the game area distinctively resemble the outline of a squid, complete with a head, body, and legs or tentacles.
A Game of Boundaries: This squid-like diagram is not merely decorative; it dictates the rules and movement of the players, with different sections of the "squid" representing specific zones and objectives.

The Anatomy of the Name: "Ojing-eo" + "Geim"

The name "Ojing-eo Geim" is a straightforward combination of two words that perfectly encapsulate the game's essence.

"오징어" (Ojing-eo): The Squid Connection

The core of the name lies in "ojing-eo" (오징어), the Korean word for squid. This isn't a metaphorical or symbolic reference in its primary sense; rather, it's a literal description of the game's layout. Children playing the game would draw a large figure on any available patch of ground – be it dirt, sand, or pavement. This figure, with its characteristic components, is universally recognized by players as resembling a squid.

Children playing a traditional Korean game

Children engaging in traditional outdoor games, similar in spirit to Ojing-eo Geim.

The Playing Field's Design

The typical Ojing-eo Geim court consists of several distinct parts, which together form the squid-like shape:

The Head (머리 - meori): A circular area at the top, often serving as the offensive team's goal or "house" (집 - chip).
The Body (몸통 - momtong): A triangular or somewhat rectangular mid-section connecting the head to the lower parts. This area is crucial for transit and defense.
The Legs/Tentacles (다리 - dari): Elongated rectangular or tapering sections at the bottom, representing the squid's appendages. These often form the starting area or defensive zones.

The game involves two teams, an attacker (offense) and a defender. The attackers aim to pass through the defender's territory, outlined by the squid shape, and tap a designated spot within the squid's "head" with their foot to win. Defenders try to eliminate attackers by pushing them out of the designated lines. The specific rules for movement (like hopping on one foot in certain areas) are intricately tied to these defined shapes.

"게임" (Geim): The Play Element

The second part of the name, "geim" (게임), is a direct transliteration of the English word "game." Its inclusion simply signifies that "Ojing-eo" is a form of play or recreational activity. This linguistic borrowing is common in modern Korean, where many English terms related to technology, sports, and entertainment have been adopted.

Cultural Roots and Regional Variations

"Ojing-eo Geim" was a particularly popular outdoor game for children in South Korea throughout the 1970s and 1980s, though its origins may extend further back. It was a common sight in schoolyards and neighborhood alleys, fostering physical agility, strategic thinking, and teamwork.

More Than Just a Shape

While the squid shape is the primary naming factor, the game's prevalence also reflects how traditional play often incorporates elements from the local environment and daily life. Squid is a common marine creature in Korea and a familiar food item, making its form an accessible and recognizable image for children.

Regional Nuances

Like many folk games, "Ojing-eo Geim" has regional variations in both name and rules. Some of these variations further emphasize the local connection to squid:

Squid Gaisan / Squid Takkari: Alternative names found in different regions.
Squid Ttaeng (오징어땡 - ojingeo ttaeng): A version popular in Busan, a coastal city. The prevalence of squid around nearby Gadeokdo island and its popularity as a children's snack might have influenced this local iteration. This version typically involved ten or more participants.
Squid Unification Game (오징어통일놀이 - ojingeo tongilnoli): A variation from Haenam, which is said to have originated during the Three Kingdoms period, symbolizing territorial disputes.

These variations highlight the game's adaptability and its deep integration into local cultures, all while retaining the core "squid" identity based on the playfield's shape.

Visualizing the "Ojing-eo Geim" Concept

To better understand the interconnected elements that define "Ojing-eo Geim," the mindmap below illustrates its core components, from etymology to cultural impact.

mindmap root["Ojing-eo Geim (오징어 게임)"] id1["Etymology"] id1a["Ojing-eo (오징어)"] id1a1["Meaning: Squid"] id1a2["Reason: Shape of Playing Field"] id1b["Geim (게임)"] id1b1["Meaning: Game"] id1b2["Origin: English loanword"] id2["Playing Field"] id2a["Resembles a Squid"] id2b["Key Parts"] id2b1["Head (Circle)"] id2b2["Body (Triangle/Rectangle)"] id2b3["Legs (Rectangles)"] id2c["Function: Defines game zones and rules"] id3["Cultural Significance"] id3a["Traditional Children's Game"] id3b["Popularity: Especially 1970s-1980s"] id3c["Skills Developed: Agility, Strategy, Teamwork"] id3d["Regional Variations"] id3d1["Squid Ttaeng (Busan)"] id3d2["Squid Unification Game (Haenam)"] id4["Modern Context"] id4a["Netflix Series 'Squid Game'"] id4a1["Named after the traditional game"] id4a2["Brought global recognition"] id4a3["Symbolic use of the game"]

This mindmap shows how the name directly stems from the Korean word for "squid" due to the game board's shape, combined with the word for "game." It also touches upon its cultural importance and how the traditional game has been recontextualized in modern media.

Traditional Game vs. Screen Depiction: A Comparative Look

The Netflix series "Squid Game" brought the children's game to global fame, but it's important to distinguish the traditional pastime from its dramatic, high-stakes adaptation. The radar chart below offers a conceptual comparison of various aspects.

This chart visually contrasts the traditional children's game with its televised adaptation. While both share a name and basic structure, aspects like stakes, accessibility, and symbolic interpretation differ significantly. The traditional game emphasizes communal play and physical skill with low, social stakes, whereas the fictional version amplifies these elements to explore themes of survival and desperation.

The Netflix Connection: A Modern Resurgence

The global success of the 2021 Netflix series, also titled "Squid Game" (오징어 게임 in Korean), is inextricably linked to the traditional children's game. The show's creator, Hwang Dong-hyuk, chose this specific game as the final, titular challenge and the series' namesake precisely because of its familiarity and symbolic potential within Korean culture.

He felt it was the most physical and also one of the most aggressive children's games he played, making it a fitting metaphor for the hyper-competitive, often brutal, nature of modern society depicted in the series. Interestingly, Netflix initially considered naming the series "Round Six," fearing "Squid Game" might not resonate with international audiences unfamiliar with the Korean pastime. However, the original, evocative name prevailed, contributing to its unique identity.

This video discusses what the title "Squid Game" actually means, offering further context on its origins and the connection to the popular series.

While the show features a deadly iteration of Ojing-eo Geim, its name remains a direct homage to the innocent, widely played children's game, connecting nostalgic childhood memories with dark, contemporary themes.

Summary of "Ojing-eo Geim" Naming Aspects

The table below provides a concise summary of the key factors contributing to the name of this traditional Korean game.

Aspect	Description
Korean Name	오징어 게임 (Ojing-eo Geim)
Literal Translation	Squid Game ("Ojing-eo" = Squid, "Geim" = Game)
Primary Reason for Name	The playing field drawn on the ground is shaped like a squid.
Key Game Feature Linked to Name	The distinct zones of the squid's "head," "body," and "legs" dictate gameplay and team objectives.
Cultural Context	A popular children's outdoor game in South Korea, especially during the 1970s-1980s.
Linguistic Note	"Geim" is a Korean phonetic adoption of the English word "game."
Symbolism (Traditional)	Represents a common, recognizable animal shape; facilitates structured, territorial play.