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Editor's Note
For convenience we have used “riddle-phrase” as a translation for xie-hou yu.
There seems to be no equivalent for this unique type of linguistic construction in
English. The expression xie-hou was used by classical writers to a construction in
witch the first part of an often quoted phrase was used as a substitute for the last, as if
in English one were to use the phrase “let there be” as a substitute for the word “light.”
In the vernacular language, xie-hou yu has evolved somewhat from the xie-hou of
classical Chinese. The first phrase is in the form of a riddle, e.g. “a monk holding an
umbrella ”he shang da san ձ֠͂௮and one is supposed to guess the answer,
“no hair no sky”wu fa wu tian ೌجೌ˂. The intended meaning is contained
in the second phrase and first phrase is disregarded. Often, as in the above example,
the second phrase contains a play on word. Here faቻdhairis a pun of faجd
law. Thus the desired interpretation is the often used phrase wu fa wu tian ೌ ج
ೌ ˂ , meaning in flagrant disregard of the laws of man and the will of heaven, or
absolutely lawless.
In other instances, the first phrase is a graphic illustration of the second phrase, e.g.
“a deaf man trying to teach a mute”long zi jiao ya ba ᛒɿਤˋÑ “one can’t
speak (tell it right) nor can the other hear (understand)”yi ge bu hui shou yi ge bu
hui ting ɓࡈʔึႭdɓࡈʔึᛓf
The last phrase is sometimes unspoken but if there is doubt as to the other party’s
being familiar with the phrase or if there is more than one answer to the riddle, the
second phrase will be supplied after a slight pause. In writing, the two phrases are
separated by a dash.
Although the intended meaning is contained solely in the second phrase and the
first is disregarded, the use of such words as dog, rat, or turtle in the first phrase is
generally considered disparaging. Xie-hou yu with their lively metaphors and clever
puns can brighten one’s writing or speech if used adroitly. They also display some of
the richness, wit, and humor of the Chinese cultural heritage.
OCAC has had the good fortune of being able to enlist the service of Professor
C.K. Wang as editor of Chinese Riddle-phrases. Professor Wang has compiled a basic
selection of most often used riddle-phrases and provided clear, concise explanations
for each.
Professor Wang obtained his doctoral degree from Cambridge University and
has read extensively in the field of Chinese folk literature. The volumes of Chinese
Songs and Chinese Riddles which he edited for The Overseas Chinese Library have
been enthusiastically received abroad. We feel that these volumes of Chinese Riddle-
phrases will be a valuable addition to The Overseas Chinese Library Series.
