REAL INTERNET CHINESE
a spare tyre in the trunk
someone kept as a romantic backup while they chase someone else
- Who can you say it to?
- Friends and coworkers Normal among people your own age. Skip it with elders, clients and officials.
- Out loud, or only typed?
- Say it or type it Works out loud and in chat.
- Is it still used?
- Settled in Past the fad stage, part of everyday speech.
When to say it
Texted only when the main plan falls through, remembered at midnight on birthdays, introduced to everyone as 'a friend'. The spare tyre gets maintenance runs but never the road. Everyone in the comments sees it first; the person inside never does. Gossip staple and sad 2am self-audit material.
Hear it in the wild
Tā zhǐshì tā de bèitāi, méi xì de.
He's just her backup option, no chance.
Bié děng le, nǐ zài tā nà shì bèitāi.
Stop waiting, you're his spare tyre.
Quick answers
What does 备胎 mean?
someone kept as a romantic backup while they chase someone else
When do people say 备胎?
Texted only when the main plan falls through, remembered at midnight on birthdays, introduced to everyone as 'a friend'. The spare tyre gets maintenance runs but never the road. Everyone in the comments sees it first; the person inside never does. Gossip staple and sad 2am self-audit material.
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