老公撥扇 – 淒涼 Waving the Chinese fan for his wife – desolate
Literally, it means when the husband fans his wife, she feels cool and comfortable. However, “wife (妻)” and “chilly (淒)” sound similar in Cantonese, hence the phrase “chilly (淒)” is used as a play on words, implying a sense of loneliness or desolation.
Chinese allegorical expressions, known as “歇後語” in Chinese, are a quintessential element of Chinese culture. They embody succinct wisdom and humor, consisting of two parts: a descriptive segment followed by a statement that encapsulates the theme, often with wit, satire, or insight.
Proverbs are deeply rooted in Chinese folk culture, permeating both written and spoken language. Their widespread use reflects their enduring popularity and relevance in daily communication. Moreover, proverbs often employ clever wordplay, such as homophones or puns, to convey hidden meanings, adding an extra layer of amusement and intrigue.
In our effort to showcase the charm of proverbs, we aim to utilize Cantonese (Yue Chinese) proverbs and present them through engaging comic illustrations. Our goal is to infuse these age-old sayings with contemporary humor, ensuring they resonate with audiences of all ages and backgrounds. Through our creative approach, we hope to foster a deeper appreciation for the richness and versatility of Cantonese proverbs while bringing joy and laughter to our audience.
