"Xialiba Ren" originally referred to a popular song of the State of Chu during the Warring States period, and later came to metaphorically describe popular, mass-oriented literary and artistic works. This idiom originates from Song Yu's "Reply to the King of Chu," which mentions that "Xialiba Ren" was a song that the common people of Ying, the capital of Chu, could sing along to, while "Yangchun Baixue" was a refined and difficult-to-understand song. In its deeper meaning, it emphasizes that literary and artistic works are close to ordinary people and easy to understand and accept, forming a contrast with "Yangchun Baixue." It is mostly used in contexts evaluating literary and artistic works or cultural products, such as novels, films, and music, indicating that they are accessible and have a broad audience. In terms of cultural background, it reflects the division between refined and popular culture in ancient China, as well as the interaction between elite culture and folk culture. In emotional coloring, it is usually neutral or slightly commendatory, emphasizing popularity and accessibility, though it sometimes carries a connotation of lacking depth or artistic merit. In modern contexts, it is often used to describe cultural forms that are down-to-earth and well-received.
📝 Example
1. Although some critics dismissed the film as "popular and crude," it achieved huge box office success and was deeply loved by ordinary audiences. (Referring to accessible, mass-oriented artistic works)
2. In the literary market, there is both highbrow pure literature and lowbrow online fiction, each with its own readership. (Referring to popular, mass-oriented literary forms)