Recently, the nickname (昵称) “southern spuds (马铃薯)” has been popular across the country, thanks to Harbin, the capital of Northeast China’s Heilongjiang Province which is creating a frenzy (掀起热潮) on social networking sites in China.
Harbin has been actively meeting tourists from southern China, and these visitors are warmly called “nanfang xiaotudou” or “southern spuds”. The nickname comes from a perception (感知; 认识). Many northern Chinese think the people from the South look shorter when they are dressed in thick jackets and hats. This nickname may create a sense of warmth and friendliness for southern tourists.
However, the use of this nickname “southern spuds” has led to heated discussion. Locals think that the nickname shows warmth and good will. Besides, other interesting nicknames like “potato princess” are also getting popularity.
Many people agree the humor behind such nicknames, but some netizens (网民) have been unhappy to being called “southern spuds”. They feel their height is being made fun of.
Despite (尽管) the warmth and friendliness showed by the people from the Northeast, it is important to accept that different people have different ideas in some parts of China. In such an age where anyone can be a visitor or host, being kind and warm is necessary because all like friendliness and dislike discrimination (歧视).
【小题1】Who are called “southern spuds”?【小题2】What do locals think of the nickname “southern spuds”?
【小题3】Do all netizens like the nickname “southern spuds”?
【小题4】Do you have a nickname? What do you think of nicknames?
