遥遥华胄 — “To refer to a distant descendant of a renowned or noble family”

Q: What is the Chinese definition of 遥遥华胄?

指名人的远裔。嘲人自夸出于名门。

遥遥华胄 is a Chinese idiom (chengyu) meaning “to refer to a distant descendant of a renowned or noble family”. Often used ironically or sarcastically to mock someone who boasts about their illustrious ancestry or noble lineage without substance. Literally, “Distant illustrious lineage”.

Frequency

遥遥华胄 Pronunciation and Pinyin

遥遥华胄 Character Breakdown

Stroke Order

Character	Pinyin	Strokes	Meaning
遥	yáo	13	Far; distant; remote
遥	yáo	13	Far; distant; remote
华	huá	6	splendid, China, flourishing
胄	zhòu	9	Helmet, noble descendant

Example Sentence with 遥遥华胄

他总是把自己的家世挂在嘴边，生怕别人不知道他是遥遥华胄，真是令人觉得有些可笑。

He always talks about his family background, as if afraid others wouldn't know he's a distant descendant of an illustrious family, which truly makes one find it a bit laughable.

Origin and Story of 遥遥华胄

During the Southern and Northern Dynasties, He Changyu, the Minister of Personnel, was known for his integrity and refined character. A young man named Min once sent him numerous gifts, hoping to be recommended for an official position.

He Changyu recounted the story of Ziyu's refusal of fish (a story about integrity and rejecting bribes). The young man, however, insisted that he was acting on his parents' orders to seek an official post, and moreover, claimed to be a descendant of Ziqian (a famous virtuous figure).

He Changyu chuckled and remarked to those present, "How can such a remote noble lineage be relevant to this situation?"