1. What does it mean?

댕댕이 is a visual wordplay spelling of 멍멍이, an affectionate word for a dog. The joke depends on the resemblance between written Korean letter shapes.

Also written or said as 멍멍이, daengdaengi, doggo

2. The nuance

It is not the formal name of a breed and is not limited to puppies. It suits a pet caption or a friendly reaction to a dog photo. For a factual notice or a veterinary conversation, 강아지 or 개 is clearer.

3. Examples

“산책 나온 댕댕이가 낙엽을 한참 구경했어.”

A doggy out for a walk spent ages looking at the fallen leaves.

“우리 집 댕댕이는 공보다 작은 인형을 더 좋아해.”

Our pup likes a little stuffed toy more than a ball.

Related words

Sources

National Institute of Korean Language

References support the meaning and usage. Example sentences are written for NoCapWiki.