The word huyou (忽悠), which means “sway” in its literal sense, is derived from the Northeast dialect. Figuratively speaking, it means to hoodwink or sway sb into doing sth with flattery or by boasting.
Example:
Zhao Benshan, a renowned comedian from northeastern China, used the word so often in his TV sketches that it soon came into popular everyday use across China. Girls, especially those who are addicted to weight loss products for slimming their figures, are usually warned against being swayed by some spurious advertisements. Meanwhile, the departments concerned are expected to tighten supervision, thereby discouraging any attempt to hoodwink the consumers.
注释 Notes
① 吹捧 chuīpěnɡ: boast
② 从而 cónɡ’ ér: thereby
③ 小品 xiǎopǐn: a comic short play, skit
