📖 Meaning
This idiom means to deliberately make trouble, play tricks, or create difficulties for others. It describes someone who engages in mischief or acts in an obstructive manner. The phrase draws on Yuan dynasty theatrical terminology to convey deliberate scheming and troublemaking.
📜 Origin Story
This idiom originates from the Yuan dynasty anonymous play 'Hundred Flower Pavilion' (《百花亭》), specifically the first act. In the original context, it describes people who scheme, stir up trouble, and play tricks. The term combines '捏怪' (fabricating strangeness) and '排科' (staging theatrical routines or gags), both rooted in the dramatic conventions of Yuan theater where '科' referred to stage directions. Together they convey the idea of deliberate mischief-making and obstruction.
💡 Example Usage
这伙人专爱捏怪排科，四处惹是生非。
This gang loves to play tricks and make trouble, stirring up conflict wherever they go.
🏷️ Category
➕ Similar Idioms
➖ Opposite Idioms
🔤 Quick Facts
- Chinese: 捏怪排科
- Pinyin: niē guài pái kē
- Literal Translation: fabricate strangeness, stage tricks
- Category: Action
- Characters: 4