Xiaozi became a popular word of urban fashion at the turn of the century.It may be translated pretty Bourgeoisie. It symbolizes a new change of Chinese social class and its advancement to a business society.
Xiaozi is a short form of "xiao ziben zhuyi ". Thirty years ago, "ziben zhuyi " is related to something evil and decadent, which is in opposition to the peasants, the major force of the social class. Its negative implication did not disappear until 1980s. Later, with the emergence of urban class, such as "bailing" ( namely white-collar professionals), xiaozi then got another meaning.
What's the meaning of xiaozi? Just like the often-mentioned term "zhongchan ( namely middle class )", it is quite ambiguous in China. Xiaozi may cover a similar group composed of bailing. But xiaozi pays more attention to a taste, a lifestyle, an imagination rather than a real class. Those single women aged below 30 are the main force being called xiaozi.
The following are some Characters of Xiaozi.
1. Live in metropolis like Shanghai, Beijing, Shenzhen, Guangzhou or Paris.
2. Spend one-third of their monthly income on bars and restaurants. Drink coffee and like French cuisine.
3. Spend one-third of their monthly income each month on clothes. Fill the wardrobe with brand-name clothes.
4. Have Zhang Ailing’s books on the bookshelf or paintings by Vincent Van Gogh on the wall.
5. Love Watching European art performance and listening to Italian violin.
6. Hate saving money, which means "meiyue dou huaguang".
Originally the circle of xiaozi was envied by many young women and every young girl wanted to became one member of the group. With the emergence of zhongchan, which implies owing a certain quantity of fortune besides houses and cars, xiaozi then implying a meaning of pursuing mental enjoyment despite poor.
A similar word with xiaozi is called xiao nuren . We will talk about it compared with nuqiangren which means women brilliant in career.