虾头

xiā tóu

Shrimp head — describes someone who is attractive from behind but disappointing from the front.

Origin

Like a shrimp where the tail (body) is the good part and the head is discarded. Went viral on Douyin.

Examples

I thought he was so handsome from behind, turned out to be a 虾头.

背影杀手，结果是个虾头。(Back-view killer, but turned out to be a shrimp head.)

Related terms

显眼包

xiǎn yǎn bāo

An 'attention-grabber' — a person, animal, or thing that grabs everyone's attention through a loud personality, bold appearance, or conspicuous antics; the class clown or show-off, now usually warm and teasing rather than harsh.

嘴替

zuǐ tì

Literally 'mouth substitute' — someone who voices an opinion exactly the way you wish you could, saying what's in your head but more clearly, bravely, or eloquently; 'they took the words right out of my mouth.'

凡尔赛

fán ěr sài

Humble-bragging — showing off wealth or achievements while pretending to be modest or complaining.

PUA

Psychological manipulation — used broadly to describe gaslighting, emotional manipulation, or toxic behavior by bosses, partners, etc.