Catch Phrase | 上头(shàngtóu)

Writer: Debra Li  | Editor: Stephanie Yang  | From:  | Updated: 2019-07-25

Meaning:

Originally used to describe liquor, the term can be translated as “heady.” Chinese gamers use the word to describe a scenario where one person makes a rash move and continues to fight until he loses a game when he could have taken a small victory at an earlier stage. Netizens now use the word on many other occasions too. For example, certain TV shows are described as “heady” because people get excited by and addicted to them. In a word, the term can mean “rash, not thinking clearly” or “excited, intoxicated.”

Example:

A: 你最近追剧了吗?

Nǐ zuìjìn zhuījù le ma?

Have you been watching shows lately?

B: 有一部剧剧情完全不可信,但是甜到齁,让人上头。

Yǒu yībù jù jùqíng wánquán bù kěxìn,dànshì tiándàohōu,ràngrén shàngtóu。

There is this new series whose plotlines are totally absurd. But the romantic relationship between the leads is super sweet and kind of addictive to watch.

A: 你说的是《亲爱的,热爱的》吧?

Nǐ shuō de shì 《qīnàide ,rèàide》ba?

I guess you’re talking about “Go Go Squid!”

B: 是的,我猜你一定不喜欢。

Shì de ,wǒ cāi nǐ yīdìng bù xǐhuan。

Yeah. It’s not your cup of tea, I suppose.