A Lesson in Chinese Idioms
Not getting enough lessons about the Chinese culture from Obama’s visit to China? Here’s something from me to you.
Found in Translation: The Chick Matchmaker
While having dinner with some of my elders, my grandaunt used the Hakka idiom Gai Zai Moi Nyin (chick-matchmaker) to describe a certain kind of sucker behavior. Below is a story about Fluffy the Chick to help you understand what, how, and when it is used…
Don't be a Gai Zai Moi Ngin!
So why is a chick used for the allegory? Chicks are naive and don’t know better. They are clueless and would walk into any situation without thinking about the consequences. When the idiom is used correctly, Gai Zai Moi Ngin describes a well-meaning promoter who enters into a scenario with the illusion of being a catalyst, but ends up being penalized for the sins of those they promote instead.
So the next time you feel the temptation to play the role of a volunteer agent, remember this cautionary tale about Fluffy the Chick!
