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Reading Zhongshi Wu’s posts saying he could translate Chinese to English prompted my thoughts to some Chinese notes I have with a story that I have not been (as yet) to really confirm.
The banknotes chosen today come from China. They are very low denomination Jiao notes used today. A Jiao is a fractional unit of the Chinese Yuan. The value of these are so low that they compare to our penny. More of a pain than an asset to have.
Today’s notes are the 1, 2, and the 5 Jiao, shown below. The people on the front represent one of the 14 different minorities in China.
1 Jiao- Dong and Yao youths at r.
2 Jiao- Native Pu Yi and Korean youth at l.
5 Jiao- Miao and Zhuang children at l
Here is where I need your help. I have been told that these notes are called “Toilet Money” (slang). The reason they acquired this term is that in China, public restrooms are often dirty and have attendants. The low denominations are used to tip the attendants and not used for much else. Also, I am told most public 'squat' toilets are for pay, and these low notes are used for entry. Yet another story is that these notes are of such low value they are viewed merely as toilet paper, since toilets do not supply paper. Because of my ability to understand poorly translated Chinese, and persons not understanding poorly translated English, I have never been able to confirm which story is the truth. If anyone knows which story is the valid story, please let me know. I do know (from multiple people) that the money IS referred to (slang) as toilet money in Chinese.
So I ask,” 廁所喺邊度呀？” To anyone able to help, “唔駛客氣.” 經歷 !!!
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