Đồ điếu

Definition
  1. Noun:
    • Butcher and fisherman: A term referring to a butcher (one who sells meat) and a fisherman (one who catches fish). It denotes people who, in feudal times, were considered to be of lowly or humble social status.
    • Historical allusion: Specifically alludes to Han Kuai (a dog butcher) and Han Xin (a fisherman) from the Qin Dynasty in China. Despite their humble origins, they later helped Liu Bang overthrow the Qin and defeat the Chu, establishing the Han Dynasty.
Usage Examples
  • Noun:
    • Trong xã hội phong kiến, những người làm nghề "đồ điếu" thường bị coi thường. (In feudal society, people who were "đồ điếu" were often looked down upon.)
    • Câu chuyện về "đồ điếu" Hàn Khoái và Hàn Tín là một minh chứng cho tài năng ẩn dật. (The story of the "đồ điếu" Han Kuai and Han Xin is proof of hidden talent.)
Advanced Usage
  • The term is primarily used in historical or literary contexts to discuss social class in ancient Vietnam and China, or to allude to the idea that great talent can emerge from humble beginnings.
Variants and Related Words
  • Hàn Khoái: Proper noun. A historical figure, a dog butcher who became a general.
  • Hàn Tín: Proper noun. A historical figure, a poor fisherman who became a brilliant military strategist.
Synonyms
  • People of lowly occupation: Individuals engaged in occupations considered menial or humble in a feudal context.
  • Commoners of humble trade: Refers to individuals from the lower social strata based on their livelihood.
Related Idioms/Phrases
  • Đồ điếu trở thành công thần: (The butcher and fisherman become meritorious officials.) An idiom highlighting the rise from rags to riches or from obscurity to greatness, inspired by the story of Han Kuai and Han Xin.
    • Lịch sử ghi lại không ít trường hợp "đồ điếu trở thành công thần". (History records not a few cases of "the lowly rising to become high officials.")