無情雞

Chinese

to be merciless; to be ruthless; to be heartless fowl; chicken
trad. (無情雞/無情鷄) 無情 雞/鷄
simp. (无情鸡) 无情 鸡
Literally: “merciless chicken”.

Etymology

According to customs in southern China, on the dinner party that an employer holds for the employees before the Chinese New Year (尾牙 (wěiyá)), chicken is a common dish. When the employer decides to dismiss someone after Chinese New Year, he/she may point the chicken head at that employee or give a piece of chicken to him/her as a hint.

Pronunciation

Noun

無情雞

  1. (Cantonese) dismissal; termination of employment; pink slip

Derived terms

See also

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