The News Lens
Date: 2019/12/25
By: TNL Staff
Before Taiwan's 2020 elections, get to know these fun facts about these Taiwanese politicians' nicknames to add to your election chit-chat.
Taiwanese politics are fun when politicians act like they are part of a soap opera. Netizens and local media add to the entertainment when they come up with creative and hilarious nicknames for the politicians. As Taiwan's 2020 elections are approaching, The News Lens has compiled a list of notable Taiwanese politicians and tell you the stories behind their nicknames.
Tsai Ing-wen (蔡英文): Hot Taiwanese girl (辣台妹)
It might be wildly inappropriate to call a female president “hot,” but it’s a popular description used among Tsai Ing-wen supporters.
Tsai’s nickname didn’t stem from weird sexual desires, but a rap. On January 2, 2019, Chinese President Xi Jinping (習近平) warned Taiwan that unification is inevitable. But Tsai firmly rejected Xi’s speech and said, “China must face the reality of the existence of the Republic of China (Taiwan), and not deny the democratic system that the people of Taiwan have established together.”
A week later, Taiwanese rapper Dwagie released a freestyle rap named “Hot Taiwanese Girl” (辣台妹), lauding Tsai for her bravery and "spicy" attitude. The term Tai-mei (台妹) used to be somewhat derogatory, stereotyping Taiwanese girls who dress in a revealing fashion and linger in nightclubs. Taiwanese rappers like MC HotDog and MJ116 have praised Tai-mei for their attractiveness and confidence, but Dwagie redefined the label by grouping Tsai into the mix.
President Tsai said she was at first confused about the reference, but she embraced the nickname after being advised by her social media team. And now, she's one of the “hottest” influencers in Taiwan.
[FULL STORY]