Top 10 Chinese buzzwords in 2019

By Zhang Rui
0 Comment(s)Print E-mail China.org.cn, December 31, 2019
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6. Sour lemon monster (柠檬精)

A comic caricature of a "sour lemon monster" [Photo/Shine.cn]

The Ning Meng Jing, literally translated into English as "sour lemon monster,” has a similar meaning as "sour grapes" to describe people who are bitter, jealous and envious of others. However, as its pejorative essence has softened, it now can also be used for self-deprecating humor. For example, instead of saying "I am jealous of you," one could simply say "I am a Ning Meng Jing" when people want to express their complicated feelings in terms of, but not limited to, appearance, talent, wealth and love.

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