witty remark; wisecrack; pun; xiehouyu
Meanings
2 senses · 6 examplesnoun
witty remark; wisecrack; sarcastic or joking comment
informalOften used to describe humorous, teasing, or slightly sarcastic remarks made in conversation. Can take the -r suffix (俏皮话儿).
He loves making witty remarks and often has everyone roaring with laughter.
Although this wisecrack is somewhat sarcastic, it is not malicious.
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Don't take his witty comments seriously; he's just joking.
noun
xiehouyu (a type of Chinese pun or enigmatic folk simile)
neutralA two-part allegorical saying where the first part presents a scenario (the 'lead') and the second part provides the explanation or pun (the 'punchline'), often omitted in speech. 俏皮话 is a common synonym for 歇后语 in this technical sense.
'A clay Bodhisattva crossing the river—can't even save itself' is a classic xiehouyu.
He loves using xiehouyu in his speech, making the content more vivid and interesting.
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'The nephew carrying a lantern—same as before (uncle)' is a xiehouyu that uses homophonic puns.