Here is a glossary of terms you may not understand:

ABC - American Born Chinese, see Mike for an example.

Ayi 阿姨 - Literally translating into Aunt, almost all Laowai and wealthy Chinese have an Ayi. Their job function closely resembles a maid but laowai and Chinese have a more personal relationship with their Ayi. Often living in a house/apartment, coming everyday, or once a week, the frequency depends on the needs of the individual and personal wealth, an ayi usually cleans the living space, does laundry, and some come with the ability to cook. Mine does not cook but she comes with the sweet ability to use my hairbrush and help herself to Baby Francesca’s beauty products. If you want more information see Mike’s post here.

Baijiu 白酒 - Baijiu is to China what vodka is to Russia, sake is to Japan, Guinness is to Ireland, and Manishevitz is to Jews. Baijiu has been turning Chinese faces red for centuries and continues to remain the drink of choice for Chinese drinking parties. Although Baijiu comes in various flavors and the alcohol content shifts between 40% to 60%, the one thing that remains consistent in all bottles is the taste of ass.

Chutzpah – Yiddish version of having some “cojones” or balls. Meant to describe an individual acting without fear of consequence or shame. Used to describe 老人 who urinate freely in public.

Dangran 当然 - Chinese word meaning naturally, of course, without a doubt. Used to describe Ween’s obviously awesome craigslist ad.

FUCL - Fucked Up Chinese Logic. Unless you have lived in this country for an extended period of time, you have no idea how fucked up the logic can get so please hold off on the judgements. Phrase coined by shlaowai.com friend BP.

Jing’An 静安 - A wealthy district in Shanghai which contains probably half the 22-35 year old laowai population. The other half lives in the French Concession.

Jing’An Si 静安寺 - Jing’An is named after the temple which is situated in the center of the district. The word Si means temple in Chinese. If you see a HUGE pimp cane, you found the temple.

KTV - Karaoke TV, probably the biggest hit in China since Opium (couldn’t help myself). KTV is pretty much karaoke but in a private room with a TV playing either 70s no-name music videos, the same uber emo Chinese video, or a concert to a random song which is not yours. Usually, or this is just me, a lot of alcohol accompanies this venture. Chinese people tend to be REALLLLLY nasty at singing KTV. If you live in China and you don’t have a KTV song, you’re wack. If you want to see my KTV song, see Z-san’s post about our trip to KTV.

La Duzi 拉肚子 – When translated into English, laduzi becomes “pull stomach”. I think you can figure out what happens when you have a pull stomach…

Laoban 老板 - The boss.

Laowai 老外 - A term frequently used referring to outsiders, meaning non-Chinese people. If you do not look Chinese, this term will apply to you. Some ABCs, Japanese, or Koreans may get off without being labeled as one on-sight, but deep inside, you all know the truth.

Mahjong 麻将 - An ancient game originally developed in China and later spread throughout the world. Currently a favorite of housewives, the unemployed and gamblers in China. Also popular among circles of elderly Jewish women in America (also known as yentas). Laowais are warned to be wary of this game, particularly if your seemingly friendly teacher is insisting you have to play with real money.

Maidan 买单 – Check please! You will not get your check unless you yell MAIDAN!!! at the top of your lungs.

Migrant Worker 民工(mingong) – The Chinese version of illegal immigrants/day workers but instead of migrating into a developed nation, migrant workers are in fact Chinese. Most derive from rural regions and are incredibly poor and work in less-than-appealing conditions typically taking the less desired but necessary occupations.

Shlaowai 上海老外- Laowais who live in Shanghai, Yiddish in origin (pronounced shlao-why).

Suspect - See Z-San’s The Day I Lost my Testicles post and you will discover suspect behavior .

Youtairen 犹太人- The Chinese word for Jews.

If you see any words that you may not know or understand, send an email to shlaowai88@gmail.com and I’ll add it to the list. More to come!