Internet phrases ban triggers heated debate

Central China's Henan province has introduced a new regulation to restrict the use of Internet phrases in documents and text books, arousing hot debate.

According to the regulation, popular Internet phrases such as diaosi (meaning underprivileged losers), nv han zi (meaning tough women) and xi da pu ben (meaning news so exhilarating that everyone is celebrating and spreading it around the world) will be banned from the above-mentioned official documents, effective from April 1.

Web users have expressed conflicting opinions about the new rule.

About 40 percent of netizens are in favor of such a stipulation, according to a survey of users of Weibo, the Chinese version of Twitter, and WeChat, a popular instant messaging service, made by the Voice of China on China National Radio.

Supporters of this regulation argue that Internet phrases are too much like slang to be used in higher circles such as government documents and textbooks.

"Internet phrases are not in line with the preciseness and strictness of official documents. It's inappropriate to insert them," said a netizen nicknamed A Qiang.

However, 40 percent of respondents disagree, believing that we should embrace newly-emerging words and phrases.

For those opposed to this regulation, they believe that if borrowed words can be accepted, so can Internet phrases.

A netizen nicknamed Milk argued, "Internet phrases are the carriers of a certain era and its distinct culture. If they are not allowed to be used, how can future generations study our history?"

Another 20 percent hold a neutral stand.

Those who take a neutral stand believe that Internet phrases can be compiled into a dictionary and be given a uniform explanation. Once they are contained in the dictionary and are standardized, they can also be used in official documents.