下里巴人 (xià lǐ bā rén) — popular art or literature that appeals to ordinary people; the 'common taste' in culture (as opposed to highbrow)

Definition

A literary term for art or music aimed at ordinary, everyday tastes. Paired with 阳春白雪, it means 'popular/lowbrow' — the opposite of that 'highbrow' classic art.

noun
popular art or literature that appeals to ordinary peoplethe 'common taste' in culture (as opposed to highbrow)

Examples

  • 下里巴人
    Zhè bù xiǎo shuō shì xià lǐ bā rén, hěn shòu pǔ tōng dú zhě huān yíng.
    This novel is popular art — it's very well received by ordinary readers.
  • 下里巴人
    Yáng chūn bái xuě hé xià lǐ bā rén gè yǒu gè de guān zhòng.
    Highbrow art and popular art each have their own audiences.
  • 下里巴人
    Tā xǐ huan xià lǐ bā rén, bú tài xīn shǎng gǔ diǎn yīn yuè.
    He likes popular culture and doesn't really appreciate classical music.

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