Animals have long been English simile fodder. If you’re not as blind as a bat you may be as stubborn as an ox, or, if you’re particularly unlucky, as sick as a parrot. The Chinese have a different approach, whereby their similes have morphed into colloquial adjectives in themselves. It’s safe to say that animals have weaseled their way into the word on the street.

As anyone who knows anything about China will tell you, eating is a fundamental part of socializing. Picture the scene: you’re out for dinner with friends. It’s been delicious and you’ve consumed every last morsel, but now it’s time to settle up. Suddenly, we may see the animal in us being brought to the fore.

First up, in the group of diners, we have the 纸老虎 (zhǐlǎohǔ, paper tiger), instantly questioning the unassuming waitress and accusing her of over-charging you. He seems initially as threatening as a tiger, angrily suggesting the waitress has made a mistake, but when it comes down to it, he stands down, unable to take the ruckus any further.

Next up is the perpetual 铁公鸡 (tiěgōngjī, iron rooster), the frugal scrooge desperate to split the bill to the smallest amount and stingily counting out every fen. She’ll be sure to pay for what she has consumed and that alone. Next is the “friend” who will eternally attempt to squirm out of paying altogether. The 老狐狸 (lǎohúlí, old fox) is sly, adept at maneuvering her way around others to get what she wants—in this case, a free meal. If her exploits are exposed, however, and the others realize her attempted trickery, she may be branded a 地头蛇 (dìtóushé, snake head), referring to the villain in a group. The 地头蛇 is rarely sniffed out, as she is so familiar with the local territory that she will try to get away with whatever possible at every opportunity; you have to be smart to catch the snake. Thankfully, every group needs its 老黄牛 (lǎohuángniú) or old brown ox, who acts honestly and conscientiously, diligently organizing the splitting of the bill and ensuring everyone is treated fairly so the bill actually gets paid.

It could be argued that any one of these characters is the 千里马 (qiānlǐmǎ, thousand-li horse); the qianlima has honed abilities and revels in their particular specialty.

So, the next time you’re coughing up for your food, keep a beady eye on the snake heads and always try to imitate the old brown ox.

-Research by Alicia Zhang (张华阳)