Chinese Idiom: 大腹便便 (Da Fu Pian Pian)
English Translation: A Potbellied Figure
pīn yīn: dà fù pián pián
Idiom Meaning: Originally meant to describe someone who is idle and overindulged, now it is often used to depict the disgusting appearance of exploitative or corrupt individuals. “腹便便” describes a large, protruding belly, symbolizing indulgence and laziness.
Historical Source: Book of the Later Han
Idiom Story:
During the Eastern Han Dynasty, in Junyi County (present-day Kaifeng, Henan), there was a scholar named Bian Shao, courtesy name Xiaoxian. Renowned for his knowledge, Bian Shao attracted many students to his academy. Despite his scholarly reputation, Bian Shao was notorious for his laziness and poor personal habits. He would spend his days idly, often sleeping in broad daylight without even changing his clothes.
His students, frustrated by his behavior, began to mock him with a humorous saying: “Our Mr. Bian, with his big belly; he avoids studying and spends all day sleeping.” This saying quickly spread and reached Bian Shao. Surprisingly, he didn’t take offense. Instead, he responded with a clever and evasive justification: “My surname is Bian, and my courtesy name is Xiaoxian. My large belly symbolizes a storage box for the Five Classics; my desire to sleep reflects my deep contemplation of these texts. Even in dreams, I am still discussing matters with Duke Zhou, and in my quiet moments, I am in tune with Confucius’ thoughts. How can anyone criticize me?”
Bian Shao’s defense was a clear example of sophistry. He attempted to reinterpret his laziness and overweight in terms of scholarly virtues, but it was evident to others that his excuses were far-fetched.
This story led to the idiom “大腹便便,” which now generally describes the appearance of someone who is overindulgent or corrupt, reflecting their greed and laziness rather than scholarly prowess.
