The Word of the Week comes from the Grass-Mud Horse Lexicon, a glossary of terms created by Chinese netizens or encountered in online political discussions. These are the words of China’s online “resistance discourse,” used to mock and subvert the official language around censorship and political correctness.
The new Lexicon home page lets you browse by categories like Party and State, Society and Culture, and Resistance Discourse. It’s easier than ever to discover new words and learn the meaning behind them. We welcome reader feedback on the redesign.
To lead the way is glorious. (artist unknown)
Lead the Way Party
Dàilù Dǎng 带路党
Group that would guide an invading army in the takeover of China; traitor. Often used sarcastically.
The U.S. and South Korea held large-scale joint military exercises in 2010, after North Korea torpedoed a South Korean warship. Then Secretary of State Hillary Clinton called on China to help “to make a persuasive case for North Korea to change direction.” As the aircraft carrier U.S.S. George Washington entered the Yellow Sea, Chinese netizens joked that they would “lead the way” for the U.S. army if they invaded China.
Self-described members of the “Lead the Way Party” are also critics of China’s social and political problems. “Why are so many Chinese climbing over each other to join the ‘Lead the Way Party’?” asked a Zhihu user, starting a contentious thread. “China’s standard of living has gotten markedly better, yet they complain about all of China’s ills.” User Yefeng (@野风) replied, “In the quiet Valley of Ignorance, people live happily.”
Beijudebianchenglexia (@杯具的变成了虾): The articles whitewashing Baidu’s reputation haven’t said it outright: criticize Baidu = traitorous Lead the Way Party… It’s just scary… (May 5, 2016)
现在给百度洗白的文章就差直接写：指责百度=汉奸带路党了… 简直可怕… [Chinese]
See also patriotraitor.
Can’t get enough of subversive Chinese netspeak? Check out “Decoding the Chinese Internet: A Glossary of Political Slang,” our ebook of dozens of new terms and classic catchphrases, presented in a new, image-rich format. Available for pay-what-you-want (including nothing). All proceeds support CDT.
