Korean Proverb Series 52
He Who Farts Gets Angry First
“방귀 뀐 놈이 성낸다”
(Bang-gwi kkin nom-i seongnaenda)
🕰️ 1. The Proverb’s Core Meaning
The Korean proverb “방귀 뀐 놈이 성낸다” literally means
“The one who farted gets angry first.”
It humorously describes someone who makes a mistake
but becomes defensive or angry to cover it up.
By acting offended, they try to shift suspicion away from themselves.
At its heart, this saying points out a timeless truth —
those who overreact often reveal their own guilt.
🪄 2. Meaning & Key Lesson
▪️ People sometimes hide guilt behind loud excuses.
▪️ The one who reacts most strongly is often the one responsible.
▪️ True integrity means owning up to mistakes instead of blaming others.
This proverb reminds us that calm honesty is more powerful than noisy denial.
👀 3. Real-Life Applications
▪️ In the workplace, someone who protests too much when accused may be revealing the truth.
▪️ A child who blames a sibling loudly often hides their own mischief.
▪️ In society, those who shout the most about others’ faults may fear being exposed themselves.
Guilt often wears the mask of anger —
but sincerity never needs to raise its voice.
🌏 4. Similar Proverbs Around the World
▪️ United States / United Kingdom — “The guilty dog barks the loudest.”
→ Those most defensive are often guilty.
▪️ China — “此地无银三百两 (Cǐ dì wú yín sān bǎi liǎng).”
→ “There are no 300 taels of silver buried here.” (A clumsy denial reveals the truth.)
▪️ Japan — “盗人猛々しい (Nusutto takenoko rashii).”
→ “A thief acting bold.”
▪️ France — “Qui s’excuse, s’accuse.”
→ “He who excuses himself, accuses himself.”
Across cultures, people laugh at the same insight —
the louder the denial, the clearer the truth.
💬 A Warm Saying
“The truth needs no defense —
only guilt shouts to hide itself.”
📌 Note
This is a creative cultural content from the Misojieum Story Blog (kor-telling.com).
Please do not copy without permission.
Sharing is welcome with proper source citation.
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