Nicknames & Unique Terms
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| Hangul | Romanization | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| 아기대추 | Agidaechu |  Similar: daechunyel 대추녤 = jujube Nyel |
| 아기공주떡 | Agigongjutteok | Baby Princess Rice Cake is a nickname based on a black sesame rice cake’s brand name. It was initially used to describe his fluffy appearance when wearing a dark bucket hat on January 22, 2021 (see explanation video). Daniel was made aware of the nickname in his 2nd anniversary V LIVE. Representative emojis are: 🍼👑🍡 |
| 반깐녤 | Bankkannyel | Nickname when his hair is half-up/down Similar: deopnyel 덮녤 = hair down, kkannyel 깐녤 = hair up |
| 브이맨 | Beuimaen | V-Man, a nickname when his hands form peace signs in his content Similar: ttabongmaen 따봉맨 for when he uses thumbs-up |
| 달리엣 | Dalliet |  |
| 다니에르 | Daniereu | Nickname from a Japanese fan translated into Korean from Daniero ダニエロ |
| 다니삐 | Danippi | ダニピ is a Japanese nickname for Nyel Ging (Nyel Cute) Similar: KanDa 神田 (칸다[상]) is the Japanese nickname for Nyel Chin (Nyel Sexy), kan/kami 神 = God |
| 다니티라노 | Danitirano | DANITYranno, fandom inside joke after Daniel said tyrannosaurus when making an acrostic poem with DANITY syllables (see #DANITYREX2U) Similar: Danityrannosaurus = danitiranosauruseu 다니티라노사우르스 |
| 다녤 | Danyel | Korean nickname, and fans use Nyel 녤 for short too Similar: Daniael 단이앨, Niaeli 니애리, Nyeri/Nyeli 녜리 (can also be used with da 다 for Danyeri 다녜리), Ttanni 딴니 |
| 얼속덩잊 | Eolsogdeongij | Is short for eolgule soga deongchileul ijjimalja 얼굴에 속아 덩치를 잊지말자 “Don’t be fooled by the cute face to forget about his physique.” |
| 강삡뺩 | Gangbbibbbyab | Kang Bbib Bbyab is Daniel’s Netflix profile name, as seen on MBC’s I Live Alone |
| 강초딩 | Gangchoding | Kang Choding is a nickname given by Yoon Jisung in reference to Daniel’s mischievous childlike persona. A combination of Daniel’s surname and the word choding 초딩 = elementary school kid. |
| 강대표님 | Gangdaepyonim | CEO Kang because Daniel is the CEO of KONNECT Entertainment and KD Corp Similar: Saranghaeyo Daepyonim 사랑해요대표님 is an inside joke that originated from Daniel’s dance practice V LIVE when a staff member said this. |
| 강단현상 | Gangdanhyeonsang | KangDan Phenomenon Similar: Gangdaniel Sindeurom 강다니엘 신드롬 = Kang Daniel Syndrome |
| 강단희 | Gangdanhui | Kang Danhui/Danhee is Daniel’s sister persona. |
| 강단이 | Gangdani | Kang Dani is the name comedian Ji Sukjin called Daniel by mistake during ep. 510 of KBS’s Happy Together. That episode was Wanna One’s first guest appearance on a variety show. |
| 강다쓰 | Gangdasseu | Kang Das is the name comedian Jun Hyunmoo called Daniel in MBC’s Omniscient Interfering View. |
| 강도련님 | Gangddolyeonnim | Young Master Kang is Daniel’s young master or gentleman persona from historical times. First seen in the 2021 Lunar New Year V LIVE. |
| 강고기 | Ganggogi | Kang Gogi is a combination of Daniel’s surname and the word gogi 고기 = meat, in reference to Daniel’s love for meat. Similar: gangseuteik/gangseuteikeu 강스테잌/강스테이크 = Kang Steak (Sungwoon’s V LIVE) |
| 강휘혈 | Ganghwihyeol | Kang Hwihyeol, a Korean nickname from Produce 101, is from an internet novel’s male lead’s name (Ban Hwihyeol 반휘혈). Used when Daniel seems like a cool fictional character |
| 강미니언 | Gangminieon | Kang Minion is Daniel’s nickname when he dressed up as Kevin for Halloween. |
| 강사 | Gangsa | Kang Sa is Daniel’s persona when he teaches dance in his V LIVE or YouTube videos. 강사 also means instructor in Korean. |
| 강소니엘 | Gangsoniel | Kang Soniel, Daniel’s intern character in his UNIVERSE show Agent Blackjack-K |
| 갱어쥐 | Gaengeojwi | Is a play on the word gangaji 강아지, which means puppy |
| 갓다니엘 | Gatdaniel | God Daniel, a nickname Daniel created in Produce 101 Season 2 when he said he wanted to be like God Sejeong (2nd place winner of Produce 101 Season 1) |
| 갓지컬 | Gatjikeol |
God Physical, a nickname from God + physical (갓 + 피지컬) Similar: pijikeoljangin 피지컬장인 = Physical Artisan |
| 국민 멍뭉 | Gugmin Meongmoong | Nation’s Puppy |
| 국민 픽 | Gugmin Pik | Nation’s Pick |
| 국민 센터 | Gugmin Senteo | Nation’s Center |
| 견뎌니앨 | Gyeondyeoniael | A play on Daniel’s name that is similar to “endure” (gyeondyeonael 견뎌낼) in Korean, referring to when Daniel tries to hold in his laughter |
| 귤녤 | Gyulnyel | Tangerine Nyel, a nickname used when he wears orange (originates from Produce 101 class B) Similar: gyulging 귤깅 = cute tangerine |
| 해외니티 | Haeoeniti | Daniel’s nickname for international fans |
| 허왜거 | Heowaegeo | Is short for heoliga wae geogiseo nawa 허리가 왜 거기서 나와 “Why is your waist there?” because of his long legs in comparison to his torso |
| 작소녤 | Jagsonyel | Small Precious Nyel, short for jakgo 작고 = small, sojoonghhan 소중한 = precious, Nyel/Niel 녤 Similar: keusonyel 크소녤 = Big Precious Nyel |
| 장꾸녤 | Jangkkunyel | Nickname for when he is mischievous. Originates from Superman Returns when Lee Hwijae called Seojun jangnankkuleogi 장난꾸러기 = mischievous boy |
| 잔망녤 | Janmangnyel | Decadent Nyel, a nickname for when he’s endearingly extra. Originates from janmanghada/janmangseuleobda 잔망하다/잔망스럽다 |
| 젤리먼스 | Jellimeonseu | Jelly Dance is the characteristic dance Daniel does with his arm held above his head while shaking his fists and hips. |
| 커넥깅 | Keonekging | Combination of KONNECT Entertainment + ging, a term of endearment for the company Similar: Team Daniel/팀다니엘 is what his dancers refer to themselves. |
| 꽁다리 | Kkongdari | Kkongdari is the nickname for the wisp of his hair that sticks up (see the Twitter). Similar: Nyelkorita 녤코리타 based on the Pokemon Chikorita |
| 코룽이 | Koroongi |  |
| 마몸디얼 | Mamomdieol | Marvel body with a Disney face, ma = Marvel, mohm = body, di = Disney, eol (short for eol gul) = face |
| 멈무 | Meommu | Is a wordplay on meong meong 멍멍, which is how dogs sound like to Koreans (fans also use nyelmungi 녤뭉이). It’s not a term used only with Daniel; however, it’s predominantly used as one of his nicknames. Similar: gangdaengdaeng 강댕댕 = Kang Puppy from daengdaengi 댕댕이 = phrase derived from 멍멍; meomkki 멈끼 = puppy + tokki 토끼 bunny |
| 멍냥 | Meongnyang | Puppy-cat is a term KDANITY use if they need to say Daniel looks like a cat but can’t because he’s a puppy |
| 민들녤 | Mindeulnyel | DandelioNyel/Kang Dandelion, from mindeulle 민들레 = dandelion when his blonde hair stuck out due to static |
| 무대위의 흑마법사 | Mudaewiui Heugmabeobsa | Warlock of the Stage Similar: Mabeobgateun Sonyeon 마법같은 소년 = magical boy |
| 녤부리 | Nyelburi | Nickname for his pursed lips/mouth shape (buri = beak) |
| 녤친 | Nyelchin | Niel/Nyel Chin is Daniel’s sexy persona, especially when his hair is up. Combination of Daniel + crazy (Nyel 녤 + michin 미친) |
| 녤들튀 | Nyeldeultwi |
Grab Nyel and run, deultwi 들튀 is a slang term formed from deulgo twida 들고 튀다 = hold/grab and run |
| 녤깅 | Nyelging | Nyel Ging/King is Daniel’s cute persona, especially when his hair is down. Combination of Daniel + baby (Nyel 녤 + aeging 애깅) Similar: nyelching 녤칭 = Niel Ching is a term Daniel used when asked to pick between cute and sexy |
| 녤구 | Nyelgu | Combination of Nyel 녤 + baekgu 백구, a white Jindo dog breed Nickname describes his puppylike image in SBS Law of the Jungle |
| 녤하인드 | Nyelhaindeu |
Nyel Hind is used by Daniel on the fancafe by replacing “behind” in “behind the scenes” with “Nyel Hind.” |
| 녤모예드 | Nyelmoyedeu |
 |
| 녤나잇 | Nyelnait |
Nyel Night, used by some fans instead of “good night” Similar: nyelmoning 녤모닝 = Nyel morning |
| 녤니 | Nyelni |
 Similar: Nidan 니단 = edits of pink haired Daniel smiling with his bunny teeth, often in a bunny suit |
| 녤시 | Nyelsi |
Nyel Hour/Time/o’clock, posting time that is usually 12:10 from his birthday December 10 |
| 녤왜거 | Nyelwaegeo | Short for 녤이 왜 거기서나와 nyeli wae geogiseonawa or “Why is Niel coming out there?” to ask why is Daniel mentioned or appearing in an unexpected way |
| 핑머걔 | Pingmeogyae | Pink Hair Guy, one of the earliest nicknames Daniel had in Produce 101 when his hair was pink Short for pingkeumeoli gyae 핑크머리 걔. Another nickname he had during the early episodes was B bansense B반센세 = B class sensei. |
| 루니오빠 피터오빠 오리오빠 짱아오빠 |
Runioppa Piteooppa Orioppa Jjangaoppa |
Rooney’s/Peter’s/Ori’s/Zhang-Ah‘s Oppa, as Daniel considers his cats his younger sisters Similar: Rupiojjang 루피오짱 = abbreviation of his cats’ names 루피오 = loupiot or “kid” in French, 짱 = “best” or “awesome” |
| 스파이더녤 | Seupaideonyel | SpiderNyel, a nickname due to his love for Spider-Man |
| 웃음장벽 1cm | Us-eumjangbyeog 1cm | 1cm Laugh Barrier/Laughter Wall is a term used to describe how easily Daniel laughs. |
| 왕자 어피치 | Wangja Eopichi |  The nickname was originally used only by fans, but nowadays the Korean media also uses it. |
Other Terms Used
| Hangul | Romanization | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| 어본깅 | Eobonging | Phrase meaning “cute side team from the beginning” (Nyel Ging in Daniel’s case) Similar: eobonchin 어본친 for the sexy side |
| 어깨깡패 | Eokkaekkangpae | Shoulder Gangster |
| 갭차이 | Gaebchai | Gap Difference means a difference between what someone is perceived to be like and their usual self. Similar: ondocha 온도차 = temperature difference (Daniel’s gap difference Twitter) |
| 개죽이 | Gaejookie |  Fans used this nickname during PD101 because he was constantly laughing. He still does. |
| 기부천사 | Gibucheonsa | Donation Angel is Daniel’s nickname since he is known for philanthropy. |
| 공카요정 | Gongkayojeong | Fancafe Fairy is a nickname for a celebrity who visits the fancafe and interacts with fans there often. Daniel jokingly said during his V LIVE that he practically lived in the fancafe. |
| 고양이 집사 | Goyangi Jibsa | Cat Butler is a nickname for a person who dotes on cats (Nyeljibsa 녤집사 = Nyel butler). |
| 입동굴 | Ibdonggul | Mouth Cave is a term used to describe the type of smile that is broad with a lot of space by the sides of the teeth. |
| 인간비타민 | Inganbitamin | Human Vitamin is a term for someone who is bright and cheerful. |
| 인간 복숭아 | Ingan Bogsunga | Human Peach is a term for someone with a fresh looking appearance. |
| 인간 각도기 | Ingan Gagdogi | Human Protractor is a term for a person who dances with beautiful and precise angles. |
| 인간 이온음료 | Ingan Ioneumnyo | Human Ion/Sports Drink is what a journalist coined since Daniel is refreshing and also endorsing Pepsi. |
| 인증요정 | Injeungyojeong | Acknowledgement Fairy is a term used when a celebrity supports fans. For example, it was used when Daniel wore fangifts or went to fan-sponsored events. |
| 자영업자 | Jayeongeobja | Self-Employed is a term that describes how someone creates buzz and gains fans based on their own merits. |
| 직캠장인 | Jigkaemjangin | Fancam Artisan refers to how an artist becomes well-known for fancams and stage performances. |
| John잘 | John Jal | F***ing/Very Handsome was used by Jessi in Showterview. John is the abbreviation of 존나 (jonna) and 잘 is short for 잘생겼다 (jalsaenggyeotda). |
| 마카롱 | Macarong | Macaroon/Macaron is a type of biscuit/dessert originally from Italy and France. In this case, fans use it in reference to the shape Daniel’s eyes have when they are closed and puffy. |
| 멍뭉미 | Meongmoongmi | Pretty/Cute as a Puppy is a compound word formed by meongmoong 멍뭉 = puppy and mi 미 = pretty (or měi 美 ) |
| 무대장인 | Mudaejangin | Stage Artisan is a term used to describe artists with so much charisma, they command the stage. Can also be translated as God of the Stage or Stage Master Similar: mudaecheonjae 무대천재 = stage genius |
| 오뚜케 | Ottuke |
Cute pronunciation of ottoke 어떻게/어떡해 = How?/What can I do? Used by Daniel on Running Man and Master Key and also by his fans |
| 유교맨 | Yugyomaen | Yugyoman or Old-Fashioned/Confucian Man is a nickname Daniel said he liked in his Thailand interview. He does not show skin much (offstage) and thinks it sounds hip hop. |
His Name in Different Languages
| Original | Romanization | Language |
|---|---|---|
| 姜丹尼爾/姜丹尼尔 | Jiāng dānníěr | Chinese (traditional/simplified) |
| カンダニエル | Kandanieru | Japanese |
| คังแดเนียล | Khạng dæ neīy l | Thai |
| काँग डैनियल | Kang Daniel | Hindi |
| كانغ دانييل | Kang Danyil | Arabic |
| Кан Даниэль | Kan Daniel | Russian |