Doodle of the literal image: green tea

REAL INTERNET CHINESE

Literally says

green tea

Actually means

someone acting sweet and harmless while steering people like chess pieces

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.Last checked

When to say it

Voice softens around men, requests arrive dressed up as favors, rivals get buried in compliments. The tea is green: fresh, healthy-looking, slightly bitter once brewed. Mostly aimed at women by other women, or by the men who finally saw it. 'Green tea face' is the visual cousin.

Hear it in the wild

Tā dāngzhe nánshēng sājiāo, lǜchá běn chá.

She turns on the charm around guys, green tea incarnate.

Shípò lǜchá, xiōngdì hái tì tā shuōhuà.

We saw through her act, and my friend still defends her.

Quick answers

What does 绿茶 mean?

someone acting sweet and harmless while steering people like chess pieces

When do people say 绿茶?

Voice softens around men, requests arrive dressed up as favors, rivals get buried in compliments. The tea is green: fresh, healthy-looking, slightly bitter once brewed. Mostly aimed at women by other women, or by the men who finally saw it. 'Green tea face' is the visual cousin.

When should you not say 绿茶?

A gendered accusation of manipulation: it ends friendships, and it is often just a slur for a woman someone dislikes.

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