Trendy “gangster” terms for the society bro
Peppa, the rambunctious star of the BBC children’s cartoon Peppa Pig, has become one of China’s most beloved animated icons since first appearing on China Central Television in 2015. But recently, Peppa’s star has risen far beyond her juvenile fan base—and may even be in danger of flaming out, so pervasive is her apparent influence on the kids (well, millennials).
The two-line rhyme—小猪佩奇身上纹，掌声送给社会人 (Xiǎozhū Pèiqí shēnshang wén, zhǎngshēng sònggěi shèhuìrén. “Tattoo on Peppa, shout out to fellas”) has become a rallying cry for the disaffected or downright disobedient. Yes, the pig with the hair-dryer snout has somehow emerged as an icon of rebellion. Get yourself some Peppa wear, and you, too, can become a gangster of sorts, or in Chinese, 社会人 (shèhuìrén, “society person”).
Low Society is a story from our issue, “Modern Family.” To read the entire issue, become a subscriber and receive the full magazine. Alternatively, you can purchase the digital version from the App Store.
Sun Jiahui is a freelance writer and former editor at The World of Chinese. She writes about Chinese language, society and culture, and is especially passionate about sharing stories of China's ancient past with a wider audience. She has been writing for TWOC for over six years, and pens the Choice Chengyu column.
