REAL INTERNET CHINESE
a phoenix man
a man from a poor background who made it, whose family now leans on his marriage
- 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
Named for rising from nothing: the village kid who conquered the big city exam system. The shine comes off in marriage talk, when his family's requests climb with his salary and the wife's household footing slides. A loaded word from matchmaking corners; back in his home village the same man is pure pride.
Hear it in the wild
Jià fènghuáng nán, xiān xiǎng qīngchǔ zài shuō.
Marrying a phoenix man, think it through first.
Fènghuáng nán de qīnqi tài duō le.
A phoenix man comes with far too many relatives.
Quick answers
What does 凤凰男 mean?
a man from a poor background who made it, whose family now leans on his marriage
When do people say 凤凰男?
Named for rising from nothing: the village kid who conquered the big city exam system. The shine comes off in marriage talk, when his family's requests climb with his salary and the wife's household footing slides. A loaded word from matchmaking corners; back in his home village the same man is pure pride.
When should you not say 凤凰男?
A class insult to him and his family in one hit; in mixed company it is a slur, not small talk.
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