Yunnan 18 Oddities: Young girls are called “Lao Tai”

The “Yunnan 18 Oddities” (云南十八怪, Yúnnán Shíbā Guài) refers to a collection of unique cultural and natural phenomena traditionally associated with Yunnan Province in China. One of these peculiarities is the practice of addressing young girls as “Lao Tai” (老太), which translates to “old lady” or “granny” in English. This custom reflects a cultural tendency in Yunnan where terms of endearment or casual addresses may not align with typical expectations based on age or appearance. It’s a notable example of how local customs and language can diverge from broader cultural norms.