Kiasu

Another word - Kiasu.
What makes Chinese-CHINESE?



Kiasu is not a bad thing. Kiasu literally means ‘afraid to lose’ which the uneducated take to mean just that (that’s why they are uneducated). There is a US version : ‘don’t be a loser’, so kiasu is not something unique to the Chinese. Figuratively, kiasu means to be prepared (isn’t that the Boy Scout’s motto? which is one of the lessons taught to young kids). Kiasuism is such a great life habit (or virtue, instinct, practice?) that every government in the world practices it. And every one who made their billions practices it. The world’s best banks make it a part of their policy. Kiasuism means ‘Plan B’, alternative plan, ‘escape route’, hedging your bets, hedge funds, saving your money for rainy days, ‘what-if scenarios’, ‘emergency door’, fire escape, fire door, INSURANCE, etc. You are kiasu whatever your race, culture, nationality or creed.