Menu
Start a Thread Start a Poll
Xiao
May 18, 2008 23:58
  • CANADAGUY
  • Points:
  • Join Date: Oct 1, 2007
  • Status: offline
Why is xiao such a popular name in China?
Also why do men use it as well as women?

What happens if the little girl or little boy grows up to be a giant?
May 19, 2008 19:56
#1  
  • ALICIAYIYI
  • Points:
  • Join Date: Apr 21, 2008
  • Status: Offline
Well, I never thought of this question. ^_^

People in China like adding xiao to other's family name. It is just a form of address, doesn't mean they are little or not.
May 19, 2008 19:58
#2  
  • ALICIAYIYI
  • Points:
  • Join Date: Apr 21, 2008
  • Status: Offline
Well, I never thought of this question. ^_^

People in China like adding xiao to other's family name. It is just a form of address, doesn't mean they are little or not.
May 19, 2008 20:21
#3  
  • CANADAGUY
  • Points:
  • Join Date: Oct 1, 2007
  • Status: Offline
>>...People in China like adding xiao to other's family name. It is just a form of address, doesn't mean they are little or not. <<

Do they also add it to the family name?
I've only seen it added to the first name.

Since it seems that it becomes part of a person's official name, when does a parent decide to add it to the name, at birth?
So there's no special reason why people like adding it to the name?

Thanks! :)
May 19, 2008 23:43
#4  
  • ALICIAYIYI
  • Points:
  • Join Date: Apr 21, 2008
  • Status: Offline
Usually when parents call their children, they add xiao3(小) to the first name, and we also add xiao3(小) to the first name to call our friends, it shows intimacy.
When leaders call their staff, they always add xiao3(小) to the family name.

As the official name, I think it is xiao1 (肖), it is one of the family names in China.
May 20, 2008 00:58
#5  
  • JABAROOTOO
  • Points:
  • Join Date: Jul 4, 2005
  • Status: Offline
Simply put........
It is the same as 'Little Johny" down the street.

But it goes much further than that. as a respectful form of address.

If someone younger than me for instance introduces themselves they will often state their full name and then add "You may call me Xiao..................." insert the family name after .





May 20, 2008 12:45
#6  
  • CANADAGUY
  • Points:
  • Join Date: Oct 1, 2007
  • Status: Offline
OK thanks Jabarootoo and Alicia.

One more on the Xiao thing.

Xiao ji ( 小 鸡 ) is commonly used to describe a small chicken.

Is it used in another everyday slang context?
Someone has mentioned another meaning, but I'd like to know if it is common knowledge.

Thanks!
May 23, 2008 01:47
#7  
  • DANLI
  • Points:
  • Join Date: May 4, 2008
  • Status: Offline
sometimes, ji(鸡） means whore.
May 24, 2008 22:58
#8  
  • CANADAGUY
  • Points:
  • Join Date: Oct 1, 2007
  • Status: Offline
>>sometimes, ji(鸡） means whore.

That's interesting.

My friend was telling me that Xiao ji ( 小 鸡 ) is slang for ***. :)
Have you heard about that one?


Post a Reply to: Xiao
Content: ( 3,000 characters at most, please )
You can add emoticons below to your post by clicking them.
characters left
Name:    Get a new code