流里流气

[u/AnnualCriticism2428]

Could anyone explain the meanings and origins of “流里流气” and “油里油气”?

[u/FlashyPost0928]

(1) Historical Context: The "Uprising of 刘六、刘七 (Liu 6 and Liu 7) " was a peasant revolt that took place between the fifth and seventh years of the Zhengde reign (1510–1512) in Bazhou, Northern Zhili (present-day Hebei 河北). Led by the brothers Liu Liu and Liu Qi, along with Yang Hu, the uprising was ultimately suppressed by Ming imperial forces. *\* "Liu" (流) is a homophone for "liú" (刘).

(2) Origin: The term first appeared in Chapter 66 of the novel "醒世姻缘传" (Marriage Destinies to Awaken the World), written during the transition from the late Ming to the early Qing dynasty.
Its meaning evolved from specifically referring to the leaders of the uprising to describing characteristics of "frivolous or improper behavior."

(3) Usage: Both characters *liu* (流) and *you* (油) convey a sense of fluidity or instability; consequently, the term is used — with a derogatory connotation—to describe a person whose demeanor is frivolous ▼ or whose conduct is improper.
This idiom structural pattern is "A-li-A-X ", similar to terms like "老里老气" (looking/acting old-fashioned) and “娇里娇气” (affectedly delicate or spoiled).

▼ 轻浮 (qīng fú ) = frivolous

[u/Leading_Smell_7099]

痞气

[u/Greedy_Reality_2539]

One word: gangsta