BEIJING (AP) – “Duang!” That’s movie star Jackie Chan’s latest contribution to Chinese mass culture and entertainment.
It’s not a word, but a sound he made in an old TV commercial meaning something like “ta-da!” A new mash-up video of the old ad has made “duang” a trending topic on China’s social media.
The sound began circulating days before the rubberstamp legislature was called into session. Chan is now a quasi-politician appointed to a legislative advisory panel, and some observers see “duang” as a way for the public to question the credibility of delegates and express dissatisfaction with the political system.
Though the tone of the phrase is more derisive than fun, Chan has been a good sport. He told reporters this week that he thinks the trend is “quite funny.”