1. What does it mean?
이불킥 literally combines blanket and kick. It describes the embarrassment that hits when you remember something awkward you said or did, as if you want to kick the covers while replaying it in bed.
Also written or said as 이불킥하다, ibulkik
2. The nuance
The blanket and kicking can be entirely figurative. Unlike general embarrassment, it often focuses on looking back at your own past behavior and wishing you could undo it.
3. Examples
“어제 보낸 메시지를 아침에 다시 읽고 이불킥했어.”
I reread yesterday's message this morning and cringed at myself.
“몇 년 전 발표가 갑자기 생각나서 이불킥 중이야.”
I suddenly remembered a presentation from years ago and I'm cringing all over again.
Sources
References support the meaning and usage. Example sentences are written for NoCapWiki.