신발 or 십팔 ?

What are the odds that the Korean word for "shoes" and the Korean word for "go fuck yourself" are almost the same? I learned this the hard way today when I tried to compliment an administrator on her footwear. (It's shin-bal, NOT ship-pal!!!)



On that note, I should mention that Korean chicks are OBSESSED with wearing heels. Some of the heels they like to wear are amusingly ridiculous. I can't help but think "prostitute" every time I spot a woman walking down the street in six-inch, lace-up, leopard print, patent leather, stiletto boots. But to be fair, I'm sure that these women can't help but think "vagrant" every time I offend their stretch of sidewalk with my inferior flip-flops :)