Chinese urban dictionary is a monthly series where we give you snippets of language that you might just find useful.
By Mia Li
/nuǎn'nán/ 暖男
Definition: noun. Literally meaning ‘boy of warmth’, nuan’nan, or ‘Sunshine Boy’, is defined as a man who is friendly, caring, and positive. The Chinese Prince Charming, he represents the perfect catch for any young woman looking for a reliable man
How to use it:
A: I broke up with my boyfriend. His writing career is going nowhere and I think he's clinically depressed.
B: But his poetry is so deep and beautiful.
A: I just can't stand the weeping anymore. My next boyfriend has to be a nuan'nan.
B: Agreed. I'd choose happiness over depth any day
The Sunshine Boy – or nuan’nan – makes others feel warm, welcomed and hopeful, like beams of sunshine in the morning. He is understanding and can smile all your troubles away. He never forgets an anniversary or birthday, your parents adore him and he even leaves the toilet seat down without being asked. He might not be wealthy, but he’s rich in empathy and positivity. He might not have the chiseled good looks of the ‘brooding English guy in Twilight’ but sometimes having a confident smile is sexier than photoshopped cheekbone definition.The defining characteristics of what female fantasies consider to be the ideal man seem to be heavily influenced by the spirit of the age. During wartime, women desire a ‘superman’ for protection and a greater sense of safety. In an economic recession, women might want a ‘sugar daddy’ for financial security. During peaceful times, few can resist the ‘brooding English guy in Twilight’ for excitement, intrigue and danger. And in modern day China? The womenfolk have spoken and the answer is: Sunshine Boy.
Nuan’nans are often compared to warm and joyful things, such as rice cookers, teapots, electric blankets and bun steamers. Those might not be the sexiest of household appliances, but here in China they’re essential and highly desirable.
By cooking hot food for you, putting a coat over you and drawing hot baths for you, the nuan’nan warms your body. By giving you tight hugs, providing words of encouragement and listening with eager ears, a nuan’nan warms your heart. Bella the Mouth Breather from Twilight has nothing on girls who are in bed with a nuan’nan. Open your window and let the sunshine into your heart, ladies, for it’s a cold world out there.
Mia Li is a news reporter in Beijing by day; at night, she tries to turn that news into standup comedy.
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