All about eating (III) (Slang)

囫圇吞棗(hu2 lun2 tun zao3): Literally it means to swallow a jujube without chewing. 囫圇means intact; 吞, swallow; 棗,jujube. When someone is learning something, he does not try to comprehend it thoroughly with deliberation but finishes it hurriedly and carelessly, we can use the term. For example, how can you read between the lines if you just囫圇吞棗when you’re reading this literature classic of deep meanings?

膾炙人口(kwai4 zhi4 ren2 kou3) 膾 is finely cut meat while炙 is barbequed meat. These are food loved by people. Beautiful works of poetry, prose, music or movies are well-liked by people just like delicious food.

吃不了兜著走(chi bu4 lyao3 dou zhe zou3) Literally it means you have to take out the leftover if you can’t eat them all. But the actual meaning is that someone has landed himself in serious trouble, or has to take the consequences he can’t bear. For example, “I’ll let you吃不了兜著走 if you should take my money,” said the rascal. 

吃案子(chi an4 zi) “Eating the case” is the literal meaning. Sometimes the irresponsible policemen might shun their responsibility by not filing a case. This act is called吃案子.

吃人(chi ren2) It doesn’t necessarily mean “eating people” but often refers to the situation when a major bullying or oppression happens.

吃飽了撐著(chi bao3 le cheng zhe) In my previous writing on June, 28, 2011 about planking, I’ve talked about this slang. when someone seems to have too much time on hand and is up to something meaningless, such as meddling into others’ affair that is none of his concern, we’ll say he’s吃飽了撐著, getting too full up.

Conclusion: If you totally understand these “eating terms” and use them without difficulty, foreigners, you’re practically a Chinese expert.

(THE END)

囫圇吞棗=囫囵吞枣

膾炙人口=脍炙人口

吃不了兜著走=吃不了兜着走

吃飽了撐著=吃饱了撑着