Catch Phrase | 集美(Jíměi)

Writer: Debra Li  |  Editor: Stephanie Yang  |  From: Shenzhen Daily  |  Updated: 2021-03-29

Meaning:

Literally this term means “beauty collectors.” In fact, this is a term used by Chinese netizens to mean “sisters,” which they use to address a group of women. The usage originated from a funny Kuaishou (a short video sharing app) influencer whose nonstandard Mandarin pronunciation often makes people laugh.

Example:

A: 集美们,这个周末我打算去看花展,有人一起吗?

Jíměi men,zhège zhōumò wǒ dǎsuàn qù kàn huāzhǎn,yǒurén yīqǐ ma?

Sisters, I’m planning to go to the flower fair this weekend. Anyone wants to come along?

B: 周末太多人了,要不找个工作日?

Zhōumò tàiduō rén le,yàobù zhǎoge gōngzuòrì?

There are tons of people at the flower fair on weekends. How about picking a workday?

A: 可是工作日我要工作啊。

Kěshì gōngzuòrì wǒ yào gōngzuò a。

But I have to work on workdays.