Definition
下里巴人 is a chengyu (four-character idiom) from the Warring States period, originally the title of a folk song sung by commoners in the Chu state. Today it's used to describe popular, down-to-earth art or literature that appeals to the general public — the opposite of 阳春白雪 (highbrow art). It carries no negative connotation; it simply contrasts 'popular' with 'refined.'
n.
popular art or literature that appeals to ordinary peoplethe 'common taste' in culture (as opposed to highbrow)
Examples
- 下里巴人，。Zhè bù xiǎoshuō shì xià lǐ bā rén, hěn shòu pǔtōng dúzhě huānyíng.This novel is popular art — it's very well received by ordinary readers.
- 下里巴人。Yángchūn Báixuě hé xià lǐ bā rén gè yǒu gè de guānzhòng.Highbrow art and popular art each have their own audiences.
- 下里巴人，。Tā xǐhuan xià lǐ bā rén, bú tài xīnshǎng gǔdiǎn yīnyuè.He likes popular culture and doesn't really appreciate classical music.
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