I had never heard this definition for mandarin. I found this etymology from today's WOTD interesting:
The Portuguese were the first to refer to a Chinese official as a "mandarin." The word hails from the Portuguese word "mandarium," which developed from Sanskrit "mantrin," a word for "counselor." Mandarins were promoted by successfully completing the imperial Chinese examination system, which was primarily based on the teachings of Confucian texts. In time, "mandarin" became a word for a pedantic official, a bureaucrat, or a person of position and influence. The noun passed into the English language in 1589, and the adjective appeared about 15 years later. You may also know "Mandarin" as a word for the chief dialect of China or be familiar with the mandarin orange. (The fruit's name comes from the orange color of a mandarin official's robe.)
No comments:
Post a Comment