Definition
嬉笑怒骂 is a Chinese set phrase (成语) describing a style of expression that mixes playful humor and harsh criticism. It originates from praise of the Song-dynasty poet Xin Qiji's literary versatility and is often used in the full saying 嬉笑怒骂,皆成文章 (jest and scorn all become fine writing). You can use it to talk about a writer, speaker, or piece of work that freely shifts between lightheartedness and indignation.
idiom
a mixture of jest and earnest criticisma style that freely alternates between humor and anger
Examples
- 嬉笑怒骂,。Tā de wénzhāng xī xiào nù mà, jiē chéng wénzhāng.His writing mixes jest and criticism, and it all becomes fine literature.
- 嬉笑怒骂,。Zhè wèi pínglùnjiā yǐ xī xiào nù mà de fēnggé zhùchēng, ràng rén yòu xiào yòu pà.This critic is known for a style that mixes humor and scolding, making people both laugh and fear.
- 嬉笑怒骂,。Zài biànlùn zhōng tā xī xiào nù mà, jì néng dòulè yòu néng yánlì fǎnbó.In debates he mixes jest and earnestness, able to entertain and also refute harshly.
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