The 7th Series of Chinese Drinking Slangs includes “代酒”(Proxy drinking) and more. There are five.
1.“代酒”(Proxy drinking)
When someone is unable to drink alcohol for various reasons, another person drinks on their behalf to maintain the harmonious atmosphere of the drinking party and not dampen everyone’s spirits.
E.g：“Brother Wang drove here and can’t drink. I’ll do the proxy drinking for him. Everyone, feel free.”
Attn：The person doing the proxy drinking should confirm in advance whether their alcohol tolerance is sufficient. Also, respect the will of the person being represented and do not force proxy drinking. The proxy – drinking behavior should be natural and appropriate to avoid causing discomfort to others.
2.“划拳”(Play finger – guessing game)
A common drinking game at the dinner table. Two people compete by shouting numbers and showing fingers. The loser drinks alcohol, which adds fun and interactivity to the drinking party.
E.g：“Just drinking is so boring. Let’s play the finger – guessing game. The loser drinks.”
Attn：Understand the rules of the finger – guessing game to avoid disputes due to unclear rules. Control the volume and rhythm of the game so as not to disturb the guests at other tables. Also, pay attention to moderate drinking and do not over – drink due to the game.
3.“发烟”(Distribute cigarettes)
E.g：“Come on, everyone, don’t be polite. I’ll distribute cigarettes. Let’s chat while smoking.”
Attn：Respect non – smokers and do not force cigarettes on them. Pay attention to whether smoking is allowed in the place. If it is a non – smoking area, do not distribute cigarettes. Pay attention to the order when distributing cigarettes. Generally, start from the elders, leaders, or those of higher status.
4.“转桌菜”(Rotate the table for dishes)
At a drinking party with a rotating dining table, when a new dish is served, the host or the main host rotates the table so that every guest can easily taste the new dish, reflecting care for the guests.
E.g：“This special dish has just been served. I’ll rotate the table so that everyone can have a taste.”
Attn：Rotate the table slowly and steadily to avoid shaking and spilling the tableware and dishes on the table. Pay attention to whether the guests are picking up food and avoid rotating the table when others are doing so.
5.“串桌”(Move around tables)
In a large – scale drinking party, guests leave their original tables and go to other tables to communicate and propose toasts to different people, thus expanding their social circle and enhancing mutual understanding.
E.g：“There are so many friends today. I have to move around tables to say hello to everyone.”
Attn：Be polite when moving around tables. First, say hello to the people at the original table and explain where you are going. When communicating at other tables, do not disturb others’ dining too much and control the stay time. Also, pay attention to moderate drinking and avoid drinking too much during the process of moving around tables.