Catch Phrase | 死亡芭比粉(sǐwáng bābǐ fěn)

Writer: Debra Li  |  Editor: Stephanie Yang  |  From: Shenzhen Daily  |  Updated: 2021-11-18

Meaning:

Literally translated as “fatal Barbie pink,” this term is widely known among fashionistas and those familiar with cosmetics. Referring to a magenta-pink shade, the term got its name because it’s the typical lipstick color of the Barbie doll and is also frequently represented in Barbie’s dresses. The common sense is that the shade matches the fair complexion of Caucasians but doesn’t look well on Asians, hence the modifier “fatal.”

Example:

A: 你过生日男朋友送了什么礼物?

Nǐ guò shēngrì nánpéngyou sòng le shénme lǐwù?

What did your boyfriend buy you for a birthday gift?

B: 一件丝绸连衣裙。

Yījiàn sīchóu liányīqún。

A silk dress.

A: 不错嘛!

Búcuò ma!

Isn’t that nice!

B: 可惜颜色是死亡芭比粉。

Kěxī yánsè shì sǐwáng bābǐ fěn。

It’s a shame that the dress is in fatal Barbie pink.