Don't ever call China Women Xiao Jie!!

Saw an article on The New Paper about how its wrong to call a China woman xiao jie, cause it means you are calling her a prostitute! Oh man, didn't know about that! I think I whenever a order food from a China woman (they are everywhere!) the food court, canteen and talk to shop assistants etc etc I also call them xiao jie. I'm so sorry girls I didn't mean to insult you.

Are You Calling Me a Prostitute?
Woman splashes water on at salesman for using 'uncouth' term

IN Singapore, it is not uncommon to hear someone address a female stranger as 'xiao jie' (miss in Mandarin).
Click to see larger image
UPSET: Miss Wang (above) claims the salesman called her 'xiao jie' at least five times in a mocking tone. PICTURE: SHIN MIN DAILY NEWS

That was how one salesman addressed a woman who walked by his shop.

But that was also what got him into hot water with the woman, a Chinese national.

Why?

In China, the term 'xiao jie' is often used to mean 'prostitute'. It is seen as disrespectful to address a woman as 'xiao jie' there. (See report below.)

The incident took place last Tuesday at a handphone shop in People's Park Complex.

Around 4.30pm that day, a 26-year-old Chinese national who gave her name only as Miss Wang was walking past the shop with her friend, Miss Zhou, also 26.

One of the salesmen in the shop, who wanted to be known only as Ah Siang, told The New Paper that he called out 'da jie' (older sister in Mandarin) to the two women.

'I wanted to get their attention so they could take a look at the handphones in the shop,' the 19-year-old Malaysian said.

'One of the women then nudged the other and told her I had just called her 'da jie'. She also asked her friend if she looked very old.'

Thinking that he may have been rude to call the women 'da jie', Ah Siang then addressed them as 'xiao jie'.

But that did not sit well with Miss Wang, who took offence at being called 'xiao jie'.

Full story at The Electronic New Paper

Watch the video from RAZORTV for more about this.
Finished watching the video? Now you like me know more he he. Cannot use the word Da Bao also!! It means putting a dead body into a coffin!!! Wa, i wonder how many times I asked a xiao jie to da bao food for me sia.

Here are other terms you should take note of when you are addressing a person from China. (From The New Paper)
Instead of Xiao Jie you can use Gu Niang or Xiao Gu Niang
You can address waitresses as Fu Wa yuan or in Guangzhou you can use Cantonese terms like Leng Lui (pretty girl), Leng Zai (handsome guy)
Instead of calling a maid Nu Yong, you should call her Ah Yee (aunty)
Lastly, Use Shi Fu instead of Shi Ji when you are addressing a bus driver.

Now you know!

P.S: There is one place in Singapore where it is okay to call China women Xiao jie though =P