Introduction

Have you ever seen someone crying with a red face while biting an iron ball? Or perhaps you're more familiar with the story of a wealthy second-generation businessman known as Pencil. Today, we'll be exploring the fascinating history behind these unique phrases and their cultural significance.

Public Tears of Lady Sun

The phrase "Public Tears of Lady Sun" (公孫離眼流淚紅臉咬鐵球) comes from a famous play in Chinese literature called "The Peony Pavilion". In the play, Lady Sun is forced to marry a man she doesn't love and is so heartbroken that she dies. This phrase is now used to describe someone who is publicly crying and in distress.

Pencil: The Wealthy Second-Generation

"Pencil" (國(guó)富產(chǎn)二代) is a term used in China to describe individuals who come from wealthy families. This phrase gained popularity in the 2000s when the children of China's newly rich families became more visible in society. Pencil has since become a symbol of extravagance and privilege.

Japanese Cars: NV, Second- and Third-Line

When people in China talk about "Japanese cars" (精美日產(chǎn)nv二線三線), they are referring to Nissan's NV series of commercial vans. The "second-line" and "third-line" refer to the location of the factories where these vans are produced. These phrases are often used to describe something that is of high quality but not necessarily luxurious.

Max3232: A Domestic Product

The Max3232 (國(guó)產(chǎn)max3232) is a type of integrated circuit that is widely used in China. It is produced domestically and is considered to be a great example of China's ability to compete in the electronics market. The phrase "domestic product" (國(guó)產(chǎn)) is now used to promote and support local businesses and products.

The English Class Representative

The phrase "pressing the English class representative onto the table" (把英語課代表按到桌子上抄) is a humorous way for Chinese people to describe copying someone else's work. It originates from the practice of students copying the work of the English class representative in order to pass their exams. This phrase highlights the pressure that students in China often feel to excel academically.

Conclusion

These unique phrases in Chinese culture reflect the history, society and values of the Chinese people. From Lady Sun's public tears to the luxurious lifestyles of Pencil's wealthy second generation, each phrase has its own unique story to tell. By understanding the cultural significance of these phrases, we can gain a deeper understanding of Chinese culture and the people who make it.