In many asian languages idioms of 4 characters (Chinese: Chengyu, Japanese: Yojijukugo) are used for concepts, and when many of these are packed tightly together the intent is frequently to either flaunt language ability or sound very smart.
They can also be moderately impenetrable to early language learners.
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is now my favourite xkcd 2326 example.
In many asian languages idioms of 4 characters (Chinese: Chengyu, Japanese: Yojijukugo) are used for concepts, and when many of these are packed tightly together the intent is frequently to either flaunt language ability or sound very smart.
They can also be moderately impenetrable to early language learners.
Nah, I'm not really into Pokemon.
https://xkcd.com/178/
Linky linky for the lazy: https://xkcd.com/2326/.