Meaning
太保 has two distinct meanings. Historically, it was an ancient Chinese official title meaning 'Grand Protector' or 'Grand Guardian,' one of the Three Excellencies in imperial administration. In modern colloquial usage, especially in Taiwan and southern China, it refers to a young hoodlum, gangster, or street thug.
Usage
In historical or literary contexts, 太保 refers to high-ranking court officials. In contemporary informal speech, particularly in Taiwan, it describes young troublemakers or gang members, often with a derogatory tone. The modern slang usage is more common in everyday conversation than the historical meaning.
Examples
- 01那几个小太保整天在街上游荡。.Those young punks wander the streets all day.
- 02在古代，太保是辅佐君主的重要官职。, .In ancient times, the Grand Protector was an important official position assisting the monarch.
Characters
Measure words
- 个一个太保
Common collocations
- 小太保young punk, juvenile delinquent
- 太保太妹male and female delinquents
Antonyms
Origin
The title 太保 dates back to the Zhou Dynasty, where it designated one of the Three Preceptors responsible for educating and protecting the crown prince. The modern slang usage likely derives from ironic appropriation of this lofty title to mock street toughs who style themselves as 'protectors' of their turf.