Meaning:
“货” means “goods,” and “腰” means “waist.” Originally an ancient Chinese phrase which meant to “sell one’s waist as if it were goods,” this is seen as derogative and in the past was used to refer to prostitutes. For instance, a famous Chinese prostitute by the name of Du Shiniang from the story written by Ming Dynasty author Feng Menglong was called a “lady who sells her waist.” This term was rediscovered by Chinese netizens after it appeared during a flirty conversation between a young couple on popular Chinese TV show “Ode to Joy.” Since this term is rather derogative, people need to take precaution using it.
Example:
A: 你还是换件衣服出门吧。
Nǐ háishì huàn jiàn yīfú chūmén ba。
You’d better change your dress.
B: 不好看吗？
Bù hǎokàn ma?
Is it not pretty?
A: 这么暴露，好像要去货腰。
Zhème bàolù, hǎoxiàng yào qù huòyāo。
You are scantily clad and look like a streetwalker.
(First editor: Debra Li)