Tag Archives: Internet Language

New Branding For A Very Old Chinese Character

Posted on November 25, 2008 by Joel

A few months ago I came across the preceding character while searching through the Chinese blogosphere. At first I thought a Chinese netizen  found a way to create his own character, but then the image seemed to start popping up … Continue reading →

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Posted in Cultural Observations, Observer ABC | Tagged , , , | 2 Comments

88: It’s So Hard To Say Goodbye

Posted on November 24, 2008 by Joel

An SMS and online spin on a contemporary form of farewell Before your first visit to China you ask your Chinese-speaking friend for a quick lesson in Mandarin Chinese. She tells you: “你好” ni hao. Hello. “谢谢” xie xie. Thank … Continue reading →

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Posted in Cultural Observations, Observer ABC | Tagged , , , | 2 Comments

Quick Observation: Fubai – It’s Not Just For Corrupt Government Officials Anymore

Posted on November 17, 2008 by Joel

“咱们今晚去腐败，好不好？” My co-worker asks me if I want to go fubai （腐败）with him tonight. I am utterly confused, because as a Chinese student I learned that the word fubai is generally used to describe corrupt government officials. There is a … Continue reading →

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Posted in Cultural Observations, Featured, Observer ABC, wsj | Tagged , , | 5 Comments

Observer ABC: A Lesson in Internet Language and Other Useful Phrases

Posted on October 27, 2008 by Joel

Let’s make sense of this simulated MSN conversation between a Chinese boyfriend and girlfriend. First, we need to learn the essential vocabulary: A. Nanzihan 男子汉: is the essence of manliness. Someone who is considered a Nanzihan is typically strong, responsible … Continue reading →

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Posted in Observer ABC | Tagged , , | 1 Comment