Meaning:

    Originating from Fujian dialect, this term is the transliteration of another dialect term “刺耙

    耙” (literally, spiky rake, a farming tool). Meaning “fierce and hot-tempered,” this term is often used to describe women who like to yell at people. Frequently used in TV shows or animation series from Taiwan, the term has been used by fans of Taiwan TV shows and accepted by netizens.

    Example:

    A: 放学到我家一起做功课、看电视吧。

    Fàngxué dào wǒ jiā yīqǐ zuò gōngkè、kàn diànshì ba。

    Come with me to my home after school and let’s do our homework and watch TV together.

    B: 我不去。

    Wǒ bù qù。

    I’d rather not.

    A: 为什么？

    Wèishénme?

    Why?

    B: 你妈妈恰北北，我有点怕她。

    Nǐ māma qiàběibéi, wǒ yǒudiǎn pà tā。

    Your mom is kind of hot-tempered and yells at people. I feel uneasy while she’s around.