Get some soy sauce: 打酱油(dǎ jiàng yóu)
Definition:
1. It’s none of my business.
2. I am just passing by.
Origin:
Guangzhou TV interviewed a citizen and asked his opinion about an incident. The man said, “It’s none of my business. I just want to buy some soy sauce.” This remark then spread throughout the network and a variety of adaptions of this saying was developed. This “soy man” and his remark became popular at the time and people started to use this phrase to demonstrate their indifference to and irrelevance of certain events. People think this phrase is very suitable to avoid sensitive topics, so the saying quickly became popular.
Haha, it’s amazing how rapid these phrases can spread! I was wondering how “soy sauce” could ever be used in an idiom.
Wow, it’s certainly interesting how somethings can spread so fast in the digital age. Thanks for sharing and I will definitely remember this for the future!
That is so fascinating how a comment that a man made to a TV network while going to buy soy sauce became a new Chinese idiom. In today’s fast paced world of social media, anything can happen! With the holidays coming after a particularly divisive election year, more and more family members should “be getting some soy sauce” rather than having an argument with their relatives. I wonder what this man must be thinking now? Great work!