"The Beefiest" (最牛) and "It Sucks" – Learning Chinese

The original Chinese phrase for "making a fool out of yourself" is 闹笑话 (nào xiào hua). But a Chinese singer unwittingly invented new Chinese slang meaning the same thing - 闹太套(nàotàitào) - when he took the stage at the 2008 Beijing Summer Olympics.

A little insight into the rather topical and useful Chinese slang term: chaozuo, or fried work. As the article states, 'chao' is used in a number of common slang terms, but chaozuo in particular has an ever-increasing meaning in how it relates to Chinese media.

"Chao is now often combined with zuo (work). So chaozuo (fry work), or cooking or creating a buzz is now being practised by some who are becoming experts in the field.

They do whatever it takes to ensure that chaozuo can be applied extensively.

You’re probably familiar with Groupon.

But did you know that China also has more than 800 group buying websites, of which Groupon is just one?

In fact, in China group buying is said to be more than just a way to get a cheap meal or movie ticket. The group buyers – 拼客(pīnkè) — are almost like a social movement unto themselves.

It’s not easy being a young single guy in China.

You live in the era of the 3 highs (三高时代 sān gāo shí dài).

And you have to go home for Spring Festival — where relatives look forward to meeting your nonexistent girlfriend!