In just two months, the latest buzzword from the Internet, diaosi, has spread so much that it can be found everywhere—from online forums(论坛) to micro blogs. Many people even call themselves diaosi. It’s not the first time a term has gone popular on the Internet in China. However, why is the word so viral that is has become a cultural phenomenon? Here, we tell you something you want to know about it.
Where it began
The word originated in Baidu. Com’s Tieba (a top Chinese bulletin board system) of soccer player Li Yi. There, fans of Li, who are called yisi in Chinese, not only talk about soccer but complain about their lives, work and relationships. Yisi, who are known for their rude and dirty language, were given the name diaosi by others who have seen their posts.
What a “diaosi” is like
The word diaosi was coined first by single, young men who feel they have dead-end lives. Generally, men in this category don’t earn enough, are not good-looking, and have difficulty winning promotion(晋升). Unlike their upper-class contemporaries(同代人), they lack influential families, useful social networks for their careers, and most importantly, suitable women to marry. “I’m just a diaosi, poor and plain-looking. Who will marry me?” The sigh can be heard, which is half self-mockery(自嘲), half reality. Many young men call themselves diaosi because they feel they are among the lowest classes of the society.
“Diaosi” culture reflects social changes
According to Zhu Chongke, a professor in the School of Asia-Pacific Studies at Sun Yat-sen University in Guangzhou, the popularity of this word diaosi stems from the fact that is was created by common people and thus resonates(共鸣) with a huge population. “Labeling yourself a diaosi offers a way for people to mock themselves and relieve pressure, hence it spread quickly,” he told Xinhua Agency. “The attitude is basically: ‘I already have little to lose, so why don’t I mock myself for gun?’.” The phenomenon reflects a larger social issues. These young people have no influential family background, no chances of receiving promotion at work or no economic strength to find a proper woman to marry. It reflects a deep sense of loss.
小题1:Diaosi refers to the ones with following features except .
A．the ones who don’t earn much.
B．the ones who are not good-looking.
C．the ones who have difficulty winning promotion
D．the ones who have suitable people to marry.小题2:The word “diaosi” is so popular because .
A．It was used to describe the fans of soccer player Li Yi.
B．It was created by common people and resonates with a huge population.
C．It is new and interesting.
D．It helps people who are among the lowest classes mock themselves.小题3:Which of the following is NOT true?
A．It’s not the first time a term like “diaosi” has gone popular on the Internet.
B．The name “diaosi” was given by those people who are among the lowest classes.
C．Many young people call themselves diaosi because they have a deep sense of loss.
D．Calling yourself diaosi can probably mock yourselves and release pressure.小题4:The author’s attitude to diaosi is .
A．positive
B．negative
C．neutral(中立的)
D．indifferent
