Definition
嗲声嗲气 is a four‑character descriptive phrase from the Wu‑dialect region (especially Shanghainese). It describes a way of speaking or behaving that is deliberately cute, coy, or coquettish — often with a whiny, affected, or sweet tone of voice. The word 嗲 (diǎ) itself carries this meaning in the dialect. You can use it as a predicate after 的 or as an adverbial before verbs like 说 or 说话.
v.p.
coycoquettishspeaking or acting in a deliberately cuteaffected way
Examples
- 嗲声嗲气，。Tā shuōhuà zǒngshì diǎ shēng diǎ qì de, ràng rén yǒudiǎn bù xíguàn.She always speaks in a coy, coquettish tone, which makes people a bit uncomfortable.
- 嗲声嗲气，。Bié diǎ shēng diǎ qì de gēn wǒ jiǎnghuà, zhèngjīng diǎn.Don't talk to me in that whiny, coquettish way — be serious.
- 嗲声嗲气，。Diànyǐng lǐ nà ge nǚ juésè gùyì diǎ shēng diǎ qì, xiǎnde hěn zuòzuò.The female character in the movie deliberately acted coy and coquettish, which came across as very affected.
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