Say "Eco-Friendly Distribution" Instead of "Greentail"

Recommendations for Replacing "Greentail," "Index Patient," and "Low Food"
National Institute of the Korean Language Suggests New Korean Alternatives for Foreign Terms

Jeju Air flight attendants are conducting a plastic reduction campaign by using eco-friendly paper straws and pulp-based paper cups on a flight departing from Gimpo Airport in Gangseo-gu, Seoul, and arriving at Jeju Airport on the 5th. Starting in July, Jeju Air will eliminate plastic cups and straws for in-flight beverages under the theme of "Saving Polar Bears" and switch to paper cups and paper straws. Photo by Hyunmin Kim kimhyun81@

The Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism and the National Institute of the Korean Language recommended on July 13 that the term "greentail" be replaced with the Korean expression "eco-friendly distribution." They also suggested "first confirmed patient" as an alternative to "index patient," and "low-irritant diet" as a replacement for "low food."

"Greentail" refers to the practice of incorporating eco-friendly elements into the distribution process, including product development, production, sales, and consumption. This includes designing products to be recyclable or using eco-friendly packaging materials. The selection of "eco-friendly distribution" as the alternative term reflected the results of a survey: in a public acceptance poll conducted from July 6 to 7 with 600 participants, 96% responded that the term was appropriate.

An "index patient" refers to the first person in a group confirmed to be infected with a disease. "Low food" describes foods that contain essential nutrients while reducing the content of sodium, sugar, and fat. The Ministry and the Institute selected "first confirmed patient" and "low-irritant diet" as the respective alternatives during a neologism committee meeting held from July 3 to 5.

The neologism committee is a panel that provides easy-to-understand Korean alternatives for difficult foreign terms before they become widespread. Experts from various fields such as Korean language, foreign languages, education, public relations and publishing, information and communications, and media participate in the committee. The Ministry and the Institute plan to continue promoting the use of these alternative terms, encouraging government agencies and media outlets to take the lead.