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卡奴

2011-08-02 08:03    Ecns.cn     Web Editor: Ma Cunyu

Pronounced kǎ nú, this term literally means a "slave of cards." Because of the popular use of credit cards in large Chinese cities, some people – especially youngsters with shopping addictions and small salaries – gradually become credit card slaves, who sometimes borrow from one credit card to pay off another credit card.

Let's put it into context:

Allen: Hey, Phil, where are you going?

Phil: To the bank, to apply for a credit card.

Allen: Really? But I thought you already had three or four credit cards. Why another one?

Phil: Well, I am a little in debt to the banks, so I need another one to make a payment.

Allen: You are really a kǎ nú.