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Ever met someone so stingy they wouldn't part with a single penny? In Chinese, there's a vivid saying for that: "iron rooster" (铁公鸡). But why a rooster? And why iron?
At first glance, the rooster holds a positive place in Chinese culture—a symbol of fidelity, protection, and a herald of new beginnings. It's also the tenth sign in the Chinese zodiac. So how did this honorable bird become linked with pinching pennies?
The answer lies in a popular folk expression: "You can't pluck a single feather from an iron rooster." Just imagine—a rooster made entirely of metal, offering nothing. That's the kind of person we're talking about: someone so tight-fisted, they guard every cent.
A Tale of Greed and Revenge from the Qing Dynasty
One of the most famous stories behind the term comes from the Qing dynasty (1644–1912), recounted by the poet Yuan Mei. It tells of a wealthy man in Jinan, Shandong, whose stinginess was legendary. So much so, locals nicknamed him "Iron Rooster."
Eager to take a concubine but unwilling to pay, he set one condition: she must be beautiful, yet ask for almost nothing in return. Soon, a matchmaker found a woman who agreed—requesting only basic food and clothing. The rich man was thrilled by the "bargain" and brought her home.
But it was all a ruse.
Six months later, the man discovered his treasure vault empty. After frantic questioning, he learned the truth: the concubine was actually a former tenant he had once accused of wastefulness. She had orchestrated the entire scheme as revenge, slowly stealing all his wealth until he had nothing left.
More Than Just a Story: The Iron Rooster in Modern China
The idiom isn't just a relic of the past—it's very much alive today. You might hear it in casual conversation to describe a friend who never picks up the tab, or a relative who gives… well, nothing.
It's even used in China's financial markets. Listed companies that refuse to pay dividends for years are nicknamed "iron roosters"—firms so stingy, they won't let shareholders "pluck a single feather."
Editor: Crystal H
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