baat3 gu2 man4八股文
Jyutpingbaat3 gu2 man4
Yalebaat gú màhn
Definition
Eight-legged essay; a rigid style of essay writing required in the Ming and Qing imperial examinations.
colloquialother
How it's used
Originally referring to the rigid examination essays of the Ming and Qing dynasties, this term is now used metaphorically to describe any writing or speech that is overly formal, repetitive, and devoid of original thought. It carries a strong negative connotation of being bureaucratic or pedantic. You will often hear it used to criticize corporate reports or official government statements that follow a predictable, lifeless structure.
Measure word
pin1篇pīnExamples
The essay he wrote is as boring as an eight-legged essay.
Related words
Common mistake
Learners often mistake this for a literal term for academic writing, but it is almost exclusively used as a pejorative to describe something that is uninspired and formulaic.
Grammar color guide
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Grammar guides
- NegationHow to say no, not, didn't, and don't in Cantonese. The four main negation words and when to use each one.
- Numbers and moneyCounting, talking about money, and asking how much things cost. Includes the two words for two and the everyday words for dollars and cents.
- Aspect markersCantonese has no tenses, but it does have aspect markers. Learn how zo2, gwo3, gan2, and hai2 dou6 show completion, experience, and ongoing action.
