sāgǒuliáng: 撒狗粮 - Public Display of Affection (PDA)

Keywords: sāgǒuliáng, 撒狗粮, public display of affection, PDA in Chinese, Chinese internet slang, couple flaunting relationship, being single in China, what does sagouliang mean, single dog, 单身狗, 吃狗粮

Summary: Learn about 撒狗粮 (sāgǒuliáng), a popular Chinese internet slang term that literally means “to scatter dog food.” It's a humorous way to describe a couple's public display of affection (PDA), especially on social media. This entry explains the cultural context behind why single people are called “dogs” (狗 gǒu) and how couples “feed” them with their lovey-dovey posts, making it a must-know term for understanding modern Chinese online culture and informal conversation.

Pinyin (with tone marks): sā gǒu liáng

Part of Speech: Verb Phrase / Internet Slang

HSK Level: N/A

Concise Definition: To flaunt one's romantic relationship in public or on social media, often making single people feel envious.

In a Nutshell: “Sāgǒuliáng” is a vivid metaphor. In modern Chinese internet culture, single people are humorously and self-deprecatingly called “single dogs” (单身狗 dānshēn gǒu). When a couple shows off their relationship—by posting sweet photos, sharing cute messages, or being affectionate in public—they are “scattering dog food” for all the “single dogs” to see. It's the Chinese equivalent of PDA, but with a built-in humorous perspective from the envious single observer.

撒 (sā): To scatter, to sprinkle, or to spread. Think of scattering seeds or salt.

狗 (gǒu): Dog. In this context, it refers to a single person (from the term 单身狗 dānshēn gǒu).

粮 (liáng): Grain, provisions, or food.

Together, 撒狗粮 (sāgǒuliáng) literally means “to scatter dog food.” The couple are the “owners,” and their public displays of love are the “food” they are scattering for the single “dogs” around them.

Origin in Internet Culture: This term is a product of China's vibrant and creative internet slang, primarily used by millennials and Gen Z. It reflects a modern social phenomenon: the performance of relationships online and the communal, humorous way young people cope with social pressures to be in a relationship.

Comparison to “PDA”: In Western culture, “PDA” (Public Display of Affection) is a neutral descriptor that can sometimes carry a negative connotation of being inappropriate or making others uncomfortable (e.g., “Get a room!”). In contrast, 撒狗粮 (sāgǒuliáng) is almost always used in a lighthearted, teasing, or self-deprecating way. It's less about judging the couple's behavior and more about expressing one's own single status with a humorous complaint.

“Single Dog” (单身狗): The concept of 撒狗粮 (sāgǒuliáng) is inseparable from “single dog” (单身狗 dānshēn gǒu). This self-mocking identity allows single individuals to bond over their shared status and voice their envy or loneliness in a socially acceptable and funny manner. It's a coping mechanism wrapped in a meme.

Informal and Online: This term is strictly informal. You will see it constantly on social media platforms like Weibo (微博), WeChat Moments (朋友圈), and Douyin (抖音), as well as in casual conversations among friends. It is never used in formal or professional settings.

The Other Side of the Coin: Single people don't just watch—they “eat dog food” (吃狗粮 chī gǒu liáng). This is the passive form, describing the act of witnessing the PDA.

Formality is Key: The biggest mistake is using 撒狗粮 (sāgǒuliáng) in any formal context. Do not use it with your boss, your professor, or in a business email. It is exclusively for casual, informal situations with peers.

Not a Real Complaint: While it sounds like a complaint (“Stop it!”), it's almost never a genuine request for the couple to stop. It's a form of social interaction that acknowledges their happiness while playfully highlighting one's own single status. Taking it literally would be a social blunder.

“PDA” is Not a Perfect Translation: While “PDA” is the closest concept, it lacks the rich metaphorical context. “PDA” describes the action neutrally. 撒狗粮 (sāgǒuliáng) describes the action from the perspective of the single observer and includes the entire cultural ecosystem of “single dogs,” “eating dog food,” and the performance of relationships online.

单身狗 (dānshēn gǒu): The foundation of this slang. It means “single dog,” a self-deprecating term for a single person. Without this concept, “scattering dog food” would make no sense.

吃狗粮 (chī gǒu liáng): The reaction to 撒狗粮. It means “to eat dog food,” or to witness a couple's PDA.

秀恩爱 (xiù'ēn'ài): A slightly more formal and older term meaning “to show off/parade one's love.” This is the action that is humorously re-labeled as 撒狗粮.

虐狗 (nüè gǒu): A stronger, more exaggerated version. It means “to abuse dogs,” used when a couple's PDA is so intense it feels “cruel” to the single people watching.

柠檬精 (níngméng jīng): “Lemon spirit” or “lemon monster.” Describes a person who gets sour or jealous easily, often in reaction to seeing others succeed or 撒狗粮. One might say, “我柠檬了 (Wǒ níngméng le)” - “I've turned into a lemon” (i.e., I'm jealous).

520 (wǔ'èr líng): The numbers 5-2-0 sound similar to “我爱你 (wǒ ài nǐ - I love you)” in Chinese. May 20th (5/20) has become an unofficial online Valentine's Day, and a peak time for couples to 撒狗粮.

情侣 (qínglǚ): The general term for a romantic couple, the ones doing the 撒狗粮.