함흥차사가 · 함흥차사를
someone who never comes back or replies, no news at all
Example
한 시간 전에 심부름 간 동생이 아직도 함흥차사예요.
My brother went on an errand an hour ago and still hasn't come back.
Word parts
함 Ham- (in Hamheung)+흥 -heung (in Hamheung)+차 dispatch+사 envoy
From the Joseon story of royal envoys sent to Hamheung who never returned.
Good to know
Common and humorous in everyday speech for someone who's taking forever.
Related words