lyut3 bai6 keoi1 zuk6 loeng4 bai6劣幣驅逐良幣劣币驱逐良币
Definition
Bad money drives out good; Gresham's law, or more broadly, the phenomenon where the inferior displaces the superior.
- technicalGresham's law; bad money drives out good money in circulation
- figurativeThe phenomenon where low-quality things easily become popular and crowd out high-quality things
How it's used
Originally an economic principle describing how debased currency forces high quality currency out of circulation, this phrase is now widely applied to cultural, social, or professional contexts. It serves as a critique of environments where low quality standards become the norm because they are cheaper or easier to produce. People use it to lament the decline of quality in industries like media, design, or retail.
Examples
Common phrases
Common mistake
Do not confuse this with a simple description of competition. It specifically implies that the inferior product is winning not because it is better, but because the market environment incentivizes the survival of the lower quality option.
Grammar color guide
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.
