癟三

See also: 瘪三

Chinese

phonetic
trad. (癟三)
simp. (瘪三)
alternative forms 必三

Etymology

Borrowed from English beg sir.

Originally used in Shanghainese, to refer to people who stole food from houses in the British Concession of Shanghai. Popularised by literary works in the early 20th century. Later spread to other Chinese varieties.

Pronunciation


Noun

癟三

  1. (derogatory) wretched-looking jobless people, who make a living by begging or stealing; beggar; hooligan
  2. (derogatory) idiot; moron

Synonyms

  • (hooligan): 流氓 (liúmáng)
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