魔都

Chinese

devil
metropolis; capital city; all
metropolis; capital city; all; both (if two things are involved); entirely; even; already
 
trad. (魔都) 魔 都
simp. #(魔都) 魔 都

Etymology

Originated from Shōfu Muramatsu's novel Mato (“魔都”, 1924). Its title was a reference to Shanghai, which was then prosperous but plagued by vices and crimes. This term was repopularized in China circa 2000.

Pronunciation

Proper noun

魔都

  1. (neologism, slang) derogatory name for Shanghai: a major port city and direct-administered municipality of China

See also

  • 帝都 (dìdū, “Beijing”)
  • 妖都 (Yāodū, “Guangzhou”)
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