Hello! I learned " Social credit score for China’s pet owners 文明社会 养犬规则". It was mentioned in the audio that dog “犬” is used in 犬子， one’s own son? But why? Is it to be polite or…? Is there 犬女？ How do you talk about your family to others? All with animals?
Thank you!
It’s a humble way to mention your son in front of others. There is “犬女” as well.
Dogs are low-grade in Chinese culture. If you relate dogs to other people, you are insulting them. If you relate dogs to your own things, it become a modesty or humble way.
However, it’s always used in ancient China and maybe literature now. We don’t used it in daily life.
This is one of the Chinese culture I believe. The person who says “犬子” is trying to be humble in front of others even though his/her son is really a talented guy. As far as I know, “龙” and “凤” are two animals (non-existent) which are very popular in Chinese culture.