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Catch Phrase| 社会我...姐(shèhuìwǒ...jiě)

Writer:   | Editor: Stephanie Yang  | From:  | Updated: 2017-05-15

Meaning:

“社会” means “society,” “我” is “I,” and “姐” means “sister.” As Chinese people use the term “混社会” (literally, loafing in the society, with the implication of making a living by unlawful means, perhaps being a member of the mafia) to refer to those who lead a marginal life and are vulgar in language and behavior, netizens have coined this term to be used as a nickname for those who unwittingly show their less educated side. There is a version for men which reads “社会我...哥.” The given name of the person is added in the phrase, which is often used jokingly. If the nickname is used to refer to another person instead of oneself, “你” (you) will be used instead of “我” in the phrase.

Example:

A: 为什么有人叫杨幂社会你幂姐?

Wèishénme yǒu rén jiào yángmì shèhuì nǐ mìjiě?

Why do some people call actress Yang Mi “society’s sister Mi?”

B: 因为有一回杨幂三次故意打翻工作人员手里拿的手

机,还说开玩笑。

Yīnwèi yǒu yīhuí yángmì sāncì gùyì dǎfān gōngzuò rényuán shǒulǐ ná de shǒujī, hái shuō kāiwánxiào。

Because on one occasion she knocked over an employee’s mobile phone three times and then said she meant it as a practical joke.

(First editor: Debra Li)