A US congressman needs to honour Donald Trump together with his personal banknote – however in China, the proposed $250 invoice has sparked extra laughter than admiration.
Why? As a result of in Chinese language slang, “250” is a not-so-flattering means of calling somebody a idiot.
On 26 February, Joe Wilson, a Republican congressman from South Carolina, introduced he was drafting laws to create the brand new banknote, arguing: “Bidenflation has destroyed the economic system, forcing American households to hold additional cash. Let’s take advantage of worthwhile invoice for essentially the most worthwhile president!”
Sadly for Wilson, his grand tribute to Trump has backfired hilariously in China, the place netizens can’t cease guffawing on the quantity’s unfortunate which means.
A per a report in South China Morning Put up, explaining his newest proposal, Wilson wrote: “Bidenflation has destroyed the economic system, forcing American households to hold additional cash. Let’s take advantage of worthwhile invoice for essentially the most worthwhile president!”
The US Secretary of the Treasury has the ultimate say over which figures seem on the nation’s banknotes. Present legal guidelines prohibit the depiction of residing people.
A mock-up of the proposed banknote, circulating on-line, options Trump’s face prominently. Nonetheless, as of writing, Trump has not responded to the proposal.
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Wilson’s submit has obtained blended reactions on social media.
One remark, which gained 17,000 likes, learn: “Enjoyable, however no thanks. I voted for Trump, however are there no more urgent points at hand?”
A supporter countered: “President Trump deserves to be remembered in historical past! I might fortunately spend payments together with his face on them.”
Nonetheless, it was a remark from a Chinese language netizen that drew explicit consideration: “In China, 250 has a really fascinating which means. You wouldn’t need to comprehend it. I hope you by no means do.”
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Why ‘250’ is a joke in China
In Chinese language slang, the quantity “250” (èr bǎi wǔ) is often used to explain somebody as silly, cussed, or reckless.
One concept traces this again to the Warring States Interval (475-221 BC), when 4 males falsely claimed to have killed statesman Su Qin to gather a 1,000-gold reward. They demanded to separate the reward evenly, taking 250 every – which enraged the king and led to their execution. Since then, “250” has been used to mock grasping and cussed people.
One other clarification comes from historical Chinese language foreign money. In these occasions, 1,000 copper cash had been strung collectively to kind a diao for simpler use. A half diao (500 cash), generally known as ban diao zi, referred to somebody with restricted information or talent. Since 250 is lower than half, it got here to symbolise foolishness.
Wilson’s proposal has amassed over 14 million views on Chinese language social media, with many discovering it unintentionally comical.
