The innovative trend of using address terms in China

Remarkable changes have been witnessed in the areas of educational, social, and economic development inChina. These changes have resulted in the development of innovative address terms in daily communication. Inparticular, this is noticeable in the widespread use of the address terms 'Shuaìge' and 'Meinu' in the twenty-firstcentury. These terms, which were originally regarded as terms of praise to those people who look handsome and pretty,have become the most popular address terms among young and middle-aged people in urban areas in China. In order toinvestigate the factors influencing the usage of these two popular address terms, a mixed research method was used forthe research study. The results show that these two address terms, being important in social interactions, have beenchanged from their original meanings. These changes in social meanings reflect cultural connotations and also haveimportant educational implications for the younger generation.