Nan, Wao and Diang

Three new Chinese characters created by netizens in response to proposals by China’s government to alter 44 traditional characters.

A plan by China’s Ministry of Education to alter the appearance of 44 Han characters has moved internet users to create their own characters – many of which reflect frustrations with the Chinese government – according to Global Voices, which cited three examples:

The first one is pronounced as “Nan.” It is composed of two Han characters: [naocan], meaning brain damage. It is a commonly used term in the Internet for criticizing patriotic youths for their inability to think independently.

The second one is pronounced as “Wao” which is composed of [wumao], meaning 50 cents. It refers to the group of commentators who are paid by the government or C.C.P. [Chinese Communist Party] to shape public opinion in major websites and forums.

The last one is pronounced as “Diang,” which is composed of [dangzhongyang] three words, meaning the central committee of C.C.P.. The new word refers to the absolute political correctness that cannot be questioned.

Shanghai List welcomed these inventions, noting: “It’s been a while since we’ve seen any netizen Chinese character creations – the last instance was in May during that whole Grass Mud Horse fiasco.”

The government’s proposed revisions – which will only apply to characters printed in the Ming or Song typeface, and will not alter the way they are handwritten – have been met with skepticism. Global Voices noted:

The adjustments were so insignificant and redundant that most netizens criticized the ministry of creating trouble. Even the Xinhua news [the government's press agency] described the adjustment as “plastic surgery.”