There is a slang saying in old Beijing: "Ceiling, fish tank, pomegranate tree, sir, fat dog, fat girl". Detailed explanation of this sentence
According to what people have always said, "ceiling, fish tank, pomegranate tree, husband, fat dog, fat girl" is a vivid portrayal of the life of a well-off family in the old capital. In summer, a canopy was erected in the courtyard to provide shade. There was a large goldfish tank in the courtyard and several pots of pomegranates in front of the screen. The family hired a teacher to teach the children their homework, kept fat dogs, and even the servants ate to excess. Live a life without worries about food and clothing, and be content with yourself.
But this sentence is a complete curse and is obviously derogatory. The origin of this sentence is recorded in the book "Miscellaneous Notes of Old Beijing". The author of the book is Mr. Xia Renhu, a native of Jiangning, Jiangsu Province. He was once a member of the Qing Dynasty and served as a censor.
"The natives in the capital are outside the gentry, industry and commerce. There are several kinds of people, all of whom work for the officials, called scribes. They are inherited from generation to generation and have the eldest descendants. Most of their native places are Zhejiang and Shaoxing, and they lead the support Rich in wealth, living in luxury. In the summer, there will be a pergola, porcelain tanks will be arranged in the courtyard to grow pomegranates, and if there are no children to study, there will also be a west table to show the generosity. Fish tank and pomegranate tree on the ceiling, Mr. Fat Dog, Fat Girl. "
The so-called "all feed on officials" does not mean that today's civil servants use different methods when performing their duties. Ways to line your own pockets. These people are the best at planning and making money. As the saying goes, "County officials are not as good as current officials." So I gave this kind of people the above sarcastic words
From this point of view, the meaning of this sentence is undoubtedly that these people obtain wealth unjustly, live luxuriously, and live luxuriously. It's a great sarcastic and standard curse word.
Through this article, I want everyone to understand the history, but times are different, and we don’t need to be realistic. Fish tank on the ceiling, pomegranate tree, husband, fat dog, fat girl. Now this sentence expresses Beijingers’ nostalgia for the comfortable life in the courtyard.