Death is referred to euphemistically in many cultures, most likely because it was believed that just uttering the d-word was bad luck. Pass away, kick the bucket, bite the big one, croak, give up the ghost, push up daises, rest in peace, go to meet your maker, cross over, become worm food, the list of English language euphemisms goes on and on.

It’s not just English, every culture has ways to avoid saying the word itself and China is no different. My personal favorite Chinese euphemism for death has to be 见马克思 [jiànmǎkèsī] which literally means ‘go to see Marx’.

As you might imagine, this word is not as popular as it used to be, and neither is Marx for that matter. Despite the mandatory Marxism classes (which I’m told mostly focus on the isms of Deng Xiaoping) I imagine Chinese youth today have no great interest in meeting the bearded one in this life or the next one. Nonetheless, it is an indication of the high level of regard that Karl once enjoyed in this country that his name would be used in this way.

Do you know other excellent Chinese euphemisms for death? Has Marx been replaced by Kobe in the new version of the phrase? Let us know in the comments section below.

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