Mandarin Monday: China's Fascinating Shitty Finds
What the shit, folks! Shit, poop, doodoo - there are countless ways to colloquially refer to feces in English, and Chinese is no different. However, one of the most common terms is 屎 shǐ, and interestingly, the appearance of this Chinese character offers insight into its meaning. The character depicts a person with their buttocks slightly raised, and on the right side, the waste they've excreted.
Similar to the English language, Chinese is abundant with slang expressions related to the character 屎. You might encounter hutong elders using phrases like 占着茅坑不拉屎 Zhànzhe máokēng bù lā shǐ, which directly translates to "occupying the toilet and not defecating." This expression refers to someone who holds a position but fails to fulfill their responsibilities. Another common Beijing saying is 拉不出屎来赖茅房 Lā bù chū shǐ lái lài máofáng, which literally means "unable to defecate and blaming the hut," and metaphorically points to individuals who find external reasons for their own shortcomings or inadequate performance.
In addition, Chinese netizens have embraced the trendiness of shit-themed items, with snacks like 猫屎糖 Māo shǐ táng (cat poop candy) and 狗屎糖 Gǒu shǐ táng (dog poop candy) gaining widespread popularity online. So, let's explore some of these trends and why they incorporate the character for "shit."
猫屎糖
Cat poop candy, known as 猫屎糖 in Chinese, is a type of coconut peanut roll originating from Maoming, Guangdong. This unique treat has gained popularity thanks to platforms like TikTok, where it is often featured and sold as a trendy wanghong snack through live streaming.
The candy's peculiar name comes from its appearance when cut into pieces, which closely resembles cat poop. However, you can rest assured that its taste is entirely unrelated to its namesake. The primary ingredients of cat poop candy include 麦芽糖 Màiyátáng (maltose)，花生碎 Huāshēng suì (peanut crisps), and 椰蓉 Yēróng (shredded coconut). While these ingredients may seem ordinary, it's the combination of soft caramel and crispy peanuts that create the distinctive soft and chewy texture that makes this candy truly special.
狗屎糖
Dog poop candy, known as 狗屎糖 in Chinese, is a popular snack that has gained internet fame and is a local specialty from Chengdu. But why is it called "dog poop candy"? Legend has it that in ancient times, the people of Sichuan were facing such challenging times that the vendors who carried candies and other goods accepted rags in exchange for their wares. Children were eager to have some candy, but impoverished families couldn't even afford to barter rags for the sweet treats. To console their disappointed children, parents would tell them, "It's dog poop candy, not suitable for eating!" and thus, the name was born.
Coincidentally, there is also a Chinese saying, 走狗屎运 Zǒugǒu shǐ yùn, which implies that stumbling upon dog poop is an unusual occurrence, and thus considered a sign of good fortune. Over time, these candies gained popularity due to the auspicious symbolism associated with them.
The primary ingredients for dog poop candies consist of green peas and peanuts. Large, round, and vibrant green peas are combined with full-bodied, crunchy Sichuan millet peanuts for a delightful texture. These candies are satisfyingly crispy without being excessively sweet.
踩屎鞋
Shit shoes or 踩屎鞋 Cǎi shǐ xié in Chinese, are a trendy product that have gained popularity in recent years, with a name that literally translates to "stepping on shit." These shoes are incredibly soft, providing a sensation akin to stepping on a pile of excrement. There are various reasons for their growing popularity, including celebrity endorsements, which make fans feel more connected to their idols. Additionally, some people are attracted to shit shoes because they believe the shoes can help improve their posture and even aid in weight loss.
鸭屎茶
Duck Shit Tea, or 鸭屎茶 Yā shǐ chá, is a unique variety of oolong tea that falls under the category of semi-fermented teas. Its peculiar name is derived from the yellow soil in which the tea leaves grow, which is colloquially referred to as "duck shit soil." Despite its off-putting moniker, Duck Shit Tea has no actual connection to duck excrement. Instead, it boasts a delightful honeysuckle aroma. For an enhanced taste experience, consider blending Duck Shit Tea with lemon tea to introduce additional layers of flavor.
Read: Mandarin Monday: Practice This Travel Vocab Before May Holiday
Images: 同尘书画空间, Unsplash