Meaning:

    This term literally means “macaroni.” The name of pasta in any of various hollow shapes is used to describe people who are impressive in appearance but disappointing in substance. It’s similar to the English saying “Many a fine dish has nothing on it” or the Chinese saying “An embroidered pillow case has only hay inside.”

    Example:

    A: 你们班新来的男生真帅气啊。

    Nǐmen bān xīnlái de nánshēng zhēn shuàiqì a。

    The new boy in your class is so handsome.

    B: 可惜他是通心粉，不爱读书、也没什么特长或者兴趣爱好。

    Kěxī tā shì tōngxīnfěn, bù ài dúshū、yě méi shénme tècháng huǒzhě xìngqù àihào。

    It’s a shame that being an eye candy is his only merit. He does not read a lot, nor does he have other hobbies.