汉语新词新译系列-A

A型城市 (A xing2 cheng2 shi4)
type-A metropolis

The term refers to boom cities where many people live at a fast pace and work under great pressure. The term is derived from the theory that tends to divide personalities into type A and B. Type A people are said to be arrogant and irritable, eager for quick success.

拗断 (ao2 duan4)
Separate/break away

It can refer to either the breakdown of good relations between a couple, or good friends, or the breakup of a showbiz artist from his or her broker.

AB制 (AB zhì)
AB treat

In China, people tend to call "going Dutch" an "AA treat," meaning dividing the bill equally among all the diners. But now "AB treat" has become a fad among young people as some males now choose to pay a bigger slice of the bill, say 70 percent, while female friends dining with them pay the rest.

拗造型 (ao3zao4xing2)
poseur

The Chinese term derives from Shanghai dialect and has become very popular among young people. It describes someone who attempts to achieve a status, look or appeal which they do not have the traits to possess. The Chinese term may also be used as verb to mean someone's acting that way.

安全岛 (an1quan2dao3)
safety island

Shanghai police are trying to improve traffic facilities to ensure road safety. Safety islands have been built in the middle of some wide roads around the city to offer pedestrians a temporary haven from rushing traffic.

阿木林(a1mu4lin3)
moron

The expression in Shanghai dialect is a transliteration from the English word. It came into use after foreign powers set up concession areas in the city in the mid-19th century.

奥特曼 (ao4te4man4)
out man

The expression is a transliteration from "Ultraman," a hero in an animated TV series. But these days, many people use it as a transliteration for the English words "out man" to describe "out-dated rubes."

肮三(ang1san1)
indecent, wicked, problematic

Originally, this was Pidgin English meaning "on sale" in Shanghai dialect. Then it was used to depict substandard or bad quality products. Now, it is often used to describe a person or his/her behavior that is immoral or highly offensive and obnoxious. It may also be used to talk about a bad situation.

安瓶 (an1 ping2)
ampoule

An ampoule, also ampule, originally was a small bottle containing injection liquid. Nowadays "beauty ampoules'are popular among brides as they contain a concentrated essence to keep their face in good condition.

阿姨 (a1yi2)
IE or Internet Explorer

The Chinese term, which means literally"auntie," has a similar pronunciation with IE Internet Explorer — and is widely used among Chinese netizens, especially in headlinesof BBS posts, to attract people's attention, because ayi sometimes refers to a caring female.

i-世代 (ai shi4dai4)
i-generation

This term, translated from English, refers to people who have grown up with Internet and digital technology, and for whom online plays a pivotal role in shaping their opinions and aspirations, and how they approach their personal relationships and professional lives.

阿尔法女孩(a1er2fa3nv3hai2)
alpha woman

Alpha women can always outperform men in study, work and sports. So, where there are alpha women, there are beta men.

拗分族 (ao3fen1zu2)
young extorter

It refers to juvenile delinquents or school bullies who extort money or possessions from young students, usually on their way home.

A货 (A huo4)
top-grade fakes

Quality matters even in the case of bogus goods. If a counterfeit can challenge the professional eye, it is a top-grade fake.

奥运新人(ao4yun4 xin1ren2)
Olympic couple

It refers to Chinese couples who want to get married on August 8 this year, when the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games begin.

奥布 (ào bù)
dirty trick

The term originates from the dialect of southern Fujian Province and means cunning thoughts or methods that are used to reach a certain goal. It was extensively used during the election of local leaders in Taiwan as some candidates were discovered employing unfair or unlawful methods to collect votes in support of particular candidates.

奥运婚 (ao4yun4hun1)
Olympic marriage

The 2008 Beijing Olympic Games are not just a party for sports fans but also for many brides and grooms. The number of wedding registrations in Shanghai hit a record on August 8, the opening day of the Games, as many young couples wanted the memorable day as their wedding anniversary.

A咖 (A ka1)
lead cast

It means a leading actor in a movie or drama and “咖” is the transliteration of the English word "cast." It also refers to frontline showbiz pop stars.

凹地效应 (ao1 di4 xiao4 ying4)
land depression effect

When a person has an open mind, listening ears rather than a talking mouth, and tolerance, he or she tends to attract a good number of followers or friends. This is similar to a land depression that gathers water.

挨踢人士 (ai1 ti1 ren2 shi4)
IT workers

The expression is a transliteration of IT, the shortened form for information technology.