戴绿帽子 (dài lǜ mào zi)

tai ly mau tsɨidiom, cuckoldry, symbolic

What does 戴绿帽子 (dài lǜ mào zi) mean? 戴绿帽子 (dài lǜ mào zi) is a Chinese strong that translates to “cuckold / cheated on” in English.

wear green hat

01

"cuckold / cheated on"

To be cuckolded; to have an unfaithful wife.

他戴绿帽子了 (Tā dài lǜmàozi le - He's been cuckolded)

Context

  • Informal settings where profanity is accepted
  • Expressing strong frustration or emphasis

Avoid

  • Professional or formal settings
  • Around elders or authority figures
  • Job interviews, meetings, or customer-facing situations

Cultural Context

Historical origin: Yuan Dynasty decree required families of prostitutes to wear green head coverings. Now symbolizes infidelity. Giving someone a green hat is fighting words. Green hats avoided as gifts.

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