The proliferation of social media has given the Chinese language a dynamic serge of innovation and creativity. New words and phrases are coined and spreading at dizzying speed and changing the way people talk online and in real life. In our show today, we look at some of the most widely used new words in China right now; at opposing views on how these new expressions should be treated; at the cat and mouse game between internet users and censors. Jenny and her guests also talk about Michelle Obama's trip to China and spill the beans on the superstar Chinese first lady Peng Liyuan.
Here's a list of words mentioned in the show:
- 土豪 (Tǔháo): Beverley Hillbilly
- 吊丝 (Diào sī): average joe, loser
- 女神 (Nǚshén): goddess, a female sex symbol or a woman one admires
- 男神 (Nánshén): a male sex symbol or a man one admires
- 高大上 (Gāodàshàng): high class, extravagant
- 雾霾 (Wùmái): smog, pollution
- 成语 (Chéngyǔ): fixed says
- 人艰不拆 (Rénjiānbùchāi)
- 不明觉厉 (Bùmíngjuélì)
- 第一夫人 (Dìyī fūrén): first lady
- 彭丽媛 (Péng lìyuàn)
- 老子明天不上班 (Lǎozi míngtiān bùshàngbān): I'm not going to work tomorrow
