Wang Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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wang

[wéƋ ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

name, surname

Wang is a common Chinese surname that means 'king' or 'monarch'. It is widely used in various forms across East Asia and has a significant prevalence in mainland China.

Examples of usage

  • Mr. Wang is a talented musician.
  • Wang Wei is a famous Chinese poet from the Tang Dynasty.
  • I met a woman named Zhang Wang at the event.
Context #2 | Verb

slang, informal

In slang, 'wang' can refer to male genitalia or to engage in sexual acts. It's often used in a humorous or derogatory context.

Examples of usage

  • He was joking about how he got caught wanging around at the party.
  • The video was so inappropriate, it was just full of wangs.
  • Stop being so immature and always wanging around!

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Pop Culture

  • In various internet memes, 'wang' has been humorously featured, symbolizing male anatomy and often used for comic effect.
  • The word has appeared in several songs and movies, often in a comedic context, further embedding it in popular culture.
  • Its usage in comedic skits has made it memorable, often associated with juvenile humor and laughter.

Psychology

  • The use of slang terms like 'wang' often reflects a person's comfort level with discussing sexuality among peers.
  • Using playful or humorous words for private parts can reduce anxiety and stigma related to discussions about anatomy and sex.
  • Psychologists note that the use of humor in discussing sensitive subjects can create a more relaxed atmosphere for open dialogue.

Linguistics

  • The word 'wang' is an example of how language evolves with cultural shifts, often emerging in informal registers.
  • As a slang term, it showcases how people use playful language to navigate topics that can be considered taboo or awkward.
  • The phonetic appeal of 'wang' contributes to its memorability and usage in spontaneous conversation.

Education

  • In sex education, informal terms like 'wang' may be used to help ease discussions about anatomy, especially for younger audiences.
  • Educators often emphasize the value of using both formal and informal language to ensure comprehension and comfort in discussing bodily topics.
  • Understanding slang terms can help individuals navigate social interactions where these words might arise, promoting better communication.

Origin of 'wang'

Main points about word origin

  • The term 'wang' is believed to have originated in the UK, appearing in informal contexts as early as the mid-20th century.
  • It is often thought to derive from the phonetic similarity to other slang words for male genitalia, contributing to its casual use in conversation.
  • In some cultures, 'wang' can also be a surname, showing its versatility as both a colloquial term and a family name.

The surname Wang (王) is of ancient origin and can be traced back to the Zhou Dynasty in China. It represents nobility and royalty, and is also associated with several historical and legendary figures in Chinese mythology. The name became prevalent during the Sui and Tang dynasties, as many aristocratic families adopted it to signify their heritage. Its usage spread beyond China to other East Asian countries, where variations of the name are found in different cultures, such as Wong in Cantonese and Ong in Southeast Asia. The casual use of 'wang' as slang, particularly in various English-speaking contexts, has emerged more recently and is often linked to colloquial expressions or humor, reflecting linguistic evolution in contemporary culture.