REAL INTERNET CHINESE
back back back
shoo, go away, a mock ritual chant to ward off bad luck or annoying things
- 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 jokingly when a friend coughs near you, someone mentions your ex, or bad news approaches. Playful exorcism energy, not real anger.
Hear it in the wild
Gǎnmào bié kàojìn wǒ, tuì tuì tuì!
Keep that cold away from me, back back back!
Huài yùnqì quánbù tuì tuì tuì.
All bad luck, shoo shoo shoo.
Quick answers
What does 退退退 mean?
shoo, go away, a mock ritual chant to ward off bad luck or annoying things
When do people say 退退退?
Say it jokingly when a friend coughs near you, someone mentions your ex, or bad news approaches. Playful exorcism energy, not real anger.
When should you not say 退退退?
It is a joke between friends. Chanting it at a stranger or someone senior is genuinely rude, you are telling them to get lost three times.
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