Hot word

Beijing Cough 北京咳 (Beijing ke)

The term was coined with words from the English language to describe a bout of persistent dry cough or throat tickle because of Beijing's poor air quality. It has become common thanks to the recent smog and haze that smothered Beijing and left an increasing number of Chinese and expatriates suffering intense bouts of coughing.

The symptoms are said to disappear once people leave Beijing.