Social & Relationships2023very informal

虾头

xiā tóu

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

Origin & Background

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

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.)

fán ěr sài

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

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

xiù ēn ài

Showing off affection / PDA — couples who publicly display their relationship in an over-the-top way.

jī wá

Tiger parenting on steroids — pushing children extremely hard academically with endless tutoring and activities.