PLP

Chinese

Etymology

Initialism of Min Nan 扶𡳞脬 (phô͘-lān-pha), which literally means "to fondle someone's scrotum", but figuratively means "to brownnose".

Verb

PLP

1. (Taiwanese Mandarin) to brownnose; to kiss up to

   • 針對鮑威爾日前對台灣的不友善談話，連戰表示，「這不是美國在PLP中共嗎？」 [MSC, trad.]
     针对鲍威尔日前对台湾的不友善谈话，连战表示，「这不是美国在PLP中共吗？」 [MSC, simp.]

     From: 2004: Liu Jung (劉榮), Liberty Times: 連戰：鮑卿非口誤 是在傳訊息 (Lien Chan says that Colin Powell's statement was not a slip of the tongue, Powell was relaying a message.)

     Zhēnduì Bàowēi'ěr rìqián duì Táiwān de bù yǒushàn tánhuà, Lián Zhàn biǎoshì, “zhè bùshì Měiguó zài PLP Zhōnggòng ma?” [Pinyin]

     In reference to Colin Powell's recent unfriendly remarks towards Taiwan, Lien Chan said, "Isn't this just the U.S. kissing up to Beijing?

Usage notes

• The original word is considered too vulgar for polite company. Therefore, PLP is often used in its place (similar to the usage of "f-word" in English).

Related terms

• LP

See also

• (Mandarin) 拍馬屁／拍马屁 (pāi mǎpì)