REAL INTERNET CHINESE
two hundred and fifty
a fool or blockhead, from an old folk story about a half-wit sum of money
- 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
Say it about someone who does something hilariously dumb, like locking keys in the car twice in one day. Old fashioned, teasing, milder than modern insults but still an insult.
Hear it in the wild
Nǐ ge èrbǎiwǔ, yàoshi yòu suǒ chē lǐ le?
You blockhead, locked the keys in the car again?
Bié dāng èrbǎiwǔ, zhè shì bù kàopǔ.
Don't be a fool, this plan is sketchy.
Quick answers
What does 二百五 mean?
a fool or blockhead, from an old folk story about a half-wit sum of money
When do people say 二百五?
Say it about someone who does something hilariously dumb, like locking keys in the car twice in one day. Old fashioned, teasing, milder than modern insults but still an insult.
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