Meaning: “脆皮,” the transliteration of “Trimps,” refers to a game in which players lead a group of alien creatures (Trimps) through an alien planet. The term can also refer to the impish alien creatures that players catch using traps and employ for exploration and for battling monsters. Trimps, being vulnerable and easily injured or killed, are often depicted as lacking in strength. “大学生” translates as “college students” in English. This term was coined as a self-mockery, as many Chinese college students perceive themselves as frail and prone to illness or injury. A derivative nickname, “脆脆鲨” (pinyin: cuìcuìshā), similar to the popular snack KitKat, originated from this perception. Frail college students are often referred to by this nickname due to the shared character “脆,” meaning both “crispy” and “frail” in Chinese. It is generally believed that unhealthy lifestyles, including inadequate sleep and excessive consumption of fast food, have contributed to the declining health of the younger generation. Example: A: 你弟弟住院了吗? Nǐ dìdi zhùyuàn le ma? Is your younger brother in the hospital? B: 是的,得了肺炎。他就是人们说的脆皮大学生,上个月刚刚扭伤了脚踝。 Shì de,dé le fèiyán。Tā jiùshì rénmen shuō de cuìpí dàxuéshēng,shànggeyuè gānggāng niǔshāng le jiǎohuái。 Yes, he has pneumonia. He is one of those whom people would call “frail college kids.” He sprained his ankle only last month. |