Definition
势利眼 is a derogatory term for a person who judges others by their wealth or social status — or the snobbish attitude itself. The literal meaning is 'power-profit eye', and it criticizes those who fawn on the rich and look down on the poor. You can use it as a noun for a snob (他是个势利眼) or for snobbish behavior (势利眼的行为).
n.
snob (person)snobbery (attitude)
Examples
- 势利眼，。Tā zhēn shì ge shì lì yǎn, zhǐ kàn qián bú kàn rén.He's such a snob; he only looks at money, not at people.
- 势利眼。Wǒ tǎoyàn tā de shì lì yǎn xíngwéi.I hate her snobbish behavior.
- 势利眼。Tā de shì lì yǎn ràng tā méi shénme péngyou.His snobbery leaves him with few friends.
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