Richard Osman has found a Chinese word that might turn the Brexit argument on its head
The very talented Richard Osman is a comedian, producer and – of course – TV presenter, but he’s also a dad with a daughter living in China who occasionally sends him funny mistranslations, like this one.
My daughter is in China and sends me photos of mis-translations. This is my new favourite. pic.twitter.com/GYtunWsm3g
— Richard Osman (@richardosman) October 3, 2016
However, this latest snippet of Chinese language information has arrived courtesy of one of her friends, and it puts a whole new spin on the Leave or Remain argument.
Hey everyone. I don’t want to plunge us into a constitutional crisis, but I’ve just discovered that the Chinese have exactly the same word for ‘Leave’ and ‘Remain’. pic.twitter.com/2r8oa5sZjb
— Richard Osman (@richardosman) October 17, 2018
Some people pointed out a similarity with English.
So do the English: if you leave something where it is, it remains; worst Electoral Commission decision ever https://t.co/uDTInrd8VJ
— John Rentoul (@JohnRentoul) October 17, 2018
Maybe it depends with context, English is messy too, what's with the opposite meanings of the word LEFT in the sentence 'after everyone left the room he was the only one left in the room'
— Moseh… (@Mitch_emkay) October 17, 2018
Ah, contronyms! An excellent part of the language. Like 'sanction' – to give permission but ALSO to penalise for disobedience.
— CarolynTH (@Carolyn_Ten) October 17, 2018
Um… pic.twitter.com/gcKsNukzbm
— Michael Reeve (@mykreeve) October 17, 2018
Twitter user @Captain_Revo realised the implications for Theresa May’s favourite slogan.
Shèng means shèng. Maybe.
However, this seems like the most apt comment, under the circumstances.
We might as well acknowledge the true nature of brexit then (from https://t.co/0K6waLuieM). pic.twitter.com/xvpCo6N7Lr
— Tim4EULDN #FBPE #PeoplesVote 🇬🇧🇪🇺🇲🇺🇵🇱 (@MaldenSaboteur) October 17, 2018