No zuo no die

The Chinglish looking term "no zuo no die" has the Chinese correspondence of 『不作死就不會死』. Used to describe situations of obvious stupid conducts with known consequences, its origin is linked with a Japanese manga/anime serie “Mobile Suit Zeta Gundam” 「機動戦士Ζガンダム」in the 90s.

While "zuo si" (作死) is a common Cantonese term that has the literal translation of "suicidal actions", the origin of this term is believed to be tightly associated with two lines of the episode 12 of the series. The character in this episode, despite knowing dire consequences of remaining in the damaged "Mobile Suit" (fictional weapon systems, manned robots), did not try to evacuate himself, and received the following comments from the teammate.

『抵抗すると无駄死にするだけだって』 Resistance will simply get oneself killed.

『なんで分からないんだ』 Why can't he understand.

Nowadays it is very popular a term online with the following established usages,

1. Post as either a warning, or as a "last-hit" (補刀) tsukomi with the meaning "if one doesn't do stupid things, they wouldn't come back and bite one in the ass. However if one does, they most certainly will."

2. Used as a comment towards side characters in an anime who have really irritated the protagonist, hence, due to rational assumption that the protagonist will unlikely be killed off, are most likely flagged for bento collection (領便當).

3. Similar to point 2, the term also sees its usage in describing certain online behavior (e.g. politically sensitive comments) that are known to be punished with deletion or a banned account. With severe censorship practices in mainland China, the usage of this term suggest the underlying dichotomy of hegemonic powers imposing such restrictions and everyday people under the influence of such. Under such a context, this term is arguably not entirely negatively connoted.

A parody of this term in the form of a song called "no zuo no die, why you try" with the melody of original opening song of Doraemon 「ドラえもん」 is available on youtube via this link [not compatible with this site]

The lyrics of this song random, possibly so for the mere purpose of rhyming.

no zuo no die why you try;

no try no high give me five;

why try why high can't be shine;

you shine you cry still go die.

No zuo no die, don't be shy;

You shy, you die, you can try;

Keep try, keep shine, love that guy;

But he only say good night.