阴阳怪气 (yīn yáng guài qì) — (idiom) speaking or acting in a sarcastic, ambiguous, or passive-aggressive manner; snide; insinuating

Definition

Idiom for speaking or acting in a sarcastic, passive-aggressive, snide way — often with a tone that implies more than it says. Used to describe a person's manner (说话阴阳怪气, 那副阴阳怪气的样子), not as a direct insult.

idiom
speaking or acting in a sarcastic, ambiguous, or passive-aggressive mannersnideinsinuating

Examples

  • 阴阳怪气
    Tā shuō huà zǒng shì yīn yáng guài qì de, ràng rén tīng le hěn bù shū fu.
    He always speaks in a snide way, making people feel very uncomfortable.
  • 阴阳怪气
    Nǐ hǎo hǎo shuō huà, bié yīn yáng guài qì de.
    Speak properly — don't be sarcastic and insinuating.
  • 阴阳怪气
    Tā zuì tǎo yàn nà zhǒng yīn yáng guài qì de tài dù.
    He hates that kind of passive-aggressive attitude the most.

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