Tuhao, netizens' favorite word to describe rich people with ill manners and poor values, has entered the Standard Dictionary of Modern Chinese during its latest revision. The word, according to the dictionary, now means "people who are rich in money but poor in moral awareness and correct values". The definition reflects a serious social problem in China where many people have become rich but are still found wanting when it comes to moral and social values, says an article on jschina.com.cn. Excerpts:

Tuhao literally translates as "local tyrant". It's a term that people used to derogatorily refer to wealthy and powerful landlords in rural areas who bullied the poor before 1949, when the People's Republic of China was founded.

The word took on a new meaning on the Internet over the past couple of years. Now it is used to ridicule the nouveaux riches in China who lack good taste, aesthetic sense, and social and moral values, and, above all, are unscrupulous. For instance, a wealthy entrepreneur who is covered in luxury brands from head to toe is an ideal candidate to be called a tuhao.

The fact that tuhao has been included in the Standard Dictionary of Modern Chinese during its third revision indicates a pervasive problem in Chinese society. The rapid growth of the Chinese economy has not only lifted millions of people out of poverty but also made quite a few people rich. In fact, the living standards of Chinese people have improved by leaps and bounds over the past few decades. Yet the development of social and moral values has not been able to keep pace with economic growth. Social ethics have suffered the most.

For instance, talking loudly in public, jostling on subway platforms to get into a train and wearing pajamas outdoors are some of the most repulsive behaviors of Chinese people in the eyes of foreigners. Moral issues - such as money worship, lack of integrity in business, indulgence in extravagance and luxury - keep popping up with regular frequency in China because it transformed from a country of scarcity to one of prosperity within an unprecedentedly short time.

After their material needs have been met, people need to find ways to cater to their spiritual needs. Therefore, it is hoped that the popularity of the word tuhao will wane as Chinese people indulge in introspection and start following the moral and social codes again.