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【Catch Phrase】老铁(lǎotiě)Meaning: “老” means “old,” and “铁” means “iron.” Originating from a northeastern Chinese dialect, this term can be used as an adjective referring to “unbreakable” friendships, alluding to the metal that is strong and tough. It is also used as a noun meaning “bosom buddies.” When used on a man and a woman, sometimes the term can imply that they have a secret relationship. However, after the term was picked up by netizens across China, it’s most often used simply to mean “very close friends.” Example: A: 有件快递我帮你拿上来了,好像是什么吃的。 Yǒu jiàn kuàidì wǒ bāng nǐ ná shànglái le, hǎoxiàng shì shénme chī de。 I picked up your parcel from the delivery guy downstairs. It looks like some food. B: 是一箱蓝莓,我小学同学从家乡寄来的。 Shì yīxiāng lánméi, wǒ xiǎoxué tóngxué cóng jiāxiāng jì lái de。 That’s a box of blueberries my primary school classmate sent me from my hometown. A: 小学同学还有联系,真不容易。 Xiǎoxué tóngxué hái yǒu liánxì, zhēn bù róngyì。 It’s not easy that you guys have kept in touch since primary school. B: 他是我一辈子的老铁。 Tā shì wǒ yībèizi de lǎotiě。 He’s my best friend for life. (First editor: Debra Li) |
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