A Dictionary of Chinese American Terms

Let's get off on the right foot. I understand (and hope) that the audience of this blog will be from all cultures. So before I get started on offending and insulting everyone let's get some basic terms out of the way. Here's a basic survival guide of the lingo that all Chinese Americans use and understand:

• ABC - American Born Chinese. Pretty self-explanatory. Can be used interchangeably with Chinese American.
  
• Chinese American - This term can used interchangeably with ABC. It can literally mean Chinese Americans or real Chinese folks who spend significant time living in American.
• Real Chinese People - Chinese people who are culturally Chinese. They can be Chinese people living in western society who have not yet become westernized.
  
• Banana - Chinese Americans are yellow on the outside (look Chinese), but white on the inside (culturally American) just like a banana. This is a term that real Chinese folks commonly use to refer to Chinese Americans.
• Egg - This term describes White folks who are totally in love with Asian culture. The exact opposite of a Banana.
• FOB - Fresh Off the Boat. This is a term Chinese Americans use to describe real Chinese folks who just immigrated from wherever real Chinese folks come from.
  
• White People - When Chinese or Chinese Americans say "White people" it could simply mean White People or it can mean people who are not Chinese.
  
• Rice It Up - To Asian-ify something that is not necessary of Asian origin.
• Ai-Yah! - Pronounced "I Yaa". An expletive use to voice disapproval or surprise.

That's all I can think of for now. I'll let you know when I think of more.