REAL INTERNET CHINESE
ox and horse
a self mocking name for an overworked employee treated like a beast of burden
- 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?
- Hot right now In heavy use at the moment.
When to say it
Say it about yourself when you are hauling another impossible workload, clocking out at midnight, being everyone's mule. Bitter but funny, a badge workers wear together.
Hear it in the wild
Dǎgōngrén jiùshì dāngdài niúmǎ.
Workers today are basically beasts of burden.
Niúmǎ de yì tiān yòu kāishǐ le.
Another day as a workhorse begins.
Quick answers
What does 牛马 mean?
a self mocking name for an overworked employee treated like a beast of burden
When do people say 牛马?
Say it about yourself when you are hauling another impossible workload, clocking out at midnight, being everyone's mule. Bitter but funny, a badge workers wear together.
When should you not say 牛马?
Self mockery only. Calling someone else a niuma says they are livestock, and that lands as an insult, not solidarity.
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